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Li 



8 Ufl*7 



SKETCHES, 



HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL, 



OF THE 



Broad river and King's mountain 



Baptist A-Ssociations, 

FROM 

1800 to 1882. 

BY 

iDiE^aousr john ir. i,oa--A.3sr, 

// 

TOGETHER WITH 

m INTRODUCTORY SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR, 

BY/ 



K. L. Ryburn, Esq. 



Shelby, N. C. 
Babington, Roberts & Co. 

1887. 



SEP 8-1887i^T 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1887 by 

L. M. Logan, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D, C. 



PREFACE. iii 



PR EFA CE. 

It has long been the desire of many of th£ mem- 
bers both of the Broad River ^and King's Mountain 
Associations to have collated in a small volume the 
principal acts or records of the two bodies from the 
time of their formation up to the present period ; and 
heretofore, both have had published synoptical his- 
torical accounts; but of such meagre and circumscrib- 
ed measure as to prevent the attainment of the very 
object intended in the undertaking. It was certainly 
impossible for any writer, it matters not how great 
his skill in condensation or brevity of style to force 
into a work of fifty or sixty pages the bare substance of 
the annual doings of a body more than three-fourths 
of a century in age. Nothing in the way of detail 
could be given; mere mention only of the acts, and of 
the principal actors, could be given; who, during that 
long period of time were conspicuously connected with 
the business matters of the two Associations. 

Having now before us an unbroken file of the 
Minutes of both of'these bodies; and with them the 
oft repeated encouragement of numbers of the breth- 
ren of both; to try our hand on a work of this char- 
acter; we have therefore, after due reflection upon the 
subject, and invoking the guidance of Him who never 
errs, concluded to submit to the inspection of the 
public the following pages, and while we entertain no 
doubt that the brethren of both the Associations will 
eagerly peruse the same, we however ask of them 
while, 

To our motives they may feel ever kind, 

Yet to our errors be a little blind. 



iv PREFACE. 

Many of the abstruse scriptural difficulties which 
formerly agitated the minds of our pioneer brethren, 
and sometimes caused divisions and distractions in 
churches will appear properly solved, while many of 
the Circular Letters upon very important subjects of 
vital interest to the churches then, (and in many in- 
stances of equally as much to the churches now) will 
appear reproduced and be placed in a state of preser- 
vation, safe from the threatening gulf of oblivion. 
While, too, some slight knowledge of many of the 
pioneer ministers w r ho figured in the early days of the 
Broad River are exhumed and preserved. What a 
pity that a work of this kind had not been sooner 
thought of. It is now impossible to get the needed 
information respecting many of the worthy pioneer 
ministers w r ho struggled hard with the enemy of souls 
in the early days of the Association, and therefore, 
the accounts will appear but scanty indeed. The dates 
of church organization has been very loosely pre- 
served in the Broad River and King's Mountain Asso- 
ciation, so much so that it has been a deal of trouble 
to the w T riter to ascertain and set forth the tr % ue dates 
of the presbyteries, and of whom composed, when 
churches were constituted. Hoping that some good 
will be realized from our attempt in compiling a hand 
book for convenient and easy reference to matters 
pertaining mostly to the Baptist family residing within 
the bounds of Broad River and King's Mountain, we 
therefore, submit it for what it may be worth, praying 
the blessing of God upon it. 

J. R. LOGAN. 
December 31, 1882. 



CONTENTS 



CONTENTS. 



Introductory Sketch of the Author by R„ L. Ryburn. 

CHAPTER I .1-10 

Broad River Baptist Association — Its location — Origin of name- 
Resources — The great revival from 1799 to 1803. 

CHAPTER II .;. ,.10-80 

Notices of the Annual sessions to 1851 inclusive — No published Jour- 
nal of the organization. (1800.) 

Session of 1801. — Queries sent up from the churches — Remarks— 
System of the Broad River Baptist Association . 

Session of 1802. — Coming Ministers, Jacob Crocker, Joshua Richards 
and Joroyal Barnett. 

Session of 1803. — Drury Dobbins and Berryman Hicks— Remarks — 
Queries. 

Session of 1804. — Remarks — Queries acted on— Remarks on same. 

Session of 1805.— Messengers — Remarks on Correspondence — Organ- 
ization — Queries Answered. 

'Session of 1808. — Organization — Members Dismissed — Remarks Rel- 
ative to Elder Humphrey Posey — Queries Answered — Fast Day 
— Remarks on the Declension of Religion. 

Session of 1807. — Formation Of the French Broad Association— Query 
answered— James Blackwell ex-communicated — Elder Permin- 
ter Morgan 

St-ession of 1808. — Remarks on the declension of religion — Queries 
answered— RemarKs. 

Session of 1809.— A large number of queries answered— Elder Daniel 
Hoyle. 

Session of 18.10.— Remarks on Drury Dobbins as presiding officer— 
Queries answered — Union meetings to arrange the sessions es- 
tablished. 

Session of 1811.— Queries — Remarks on the Q,uery answered in the 
negative by the Author. Is it right to hold members in fellow- 
ship who belong to and frequent Masonic Lodges? also remarks 
on the same by M. C. Barnett— Query on Matrimony answered— 
Fast day — Elder David Benedict, the historian. 

Session of 1812. — Queries reconsidered and answered — Two impostors 
published, Ledford Paine and Samuel T. Council. 

Session of 1813. — Remarks on the revival of the past year conducted 
by Drury Dobbins and Berryman Hick — Queries answered — 
Baptist general meeting, Drury Dobbins and Ambrose Carlton 
appointed delegates — Remarks on the same— Seven impostors 
published, to- w T it: Samuel Whitney, W. Davis, Jesse Hazael, 
John MeCreary, W. Thomas, John Williams and Dan' I Brown, 
Remarks on the same—Death of Elder Julius Holland. 



vi CONTENTS, 

Session of 1814.— Held at Goucher Creek — Introductory sermon by 
Ambrose Carlton— Elder Wm. King. 

Session of 1815. — Baptist Board for missions — Remarks — Demise of 
Elder George Brew ton. 

Session of 1816. — Elder Luther Rice, agent for missions —Ruhamah 
and Zion Churches admitted — Queries answered— Remarks on 
Election — A superannuated minister, Ambrose Carlton. 

Session of 1S17. — Query on alien immersion answered— The conver- 
sion of the Heathen, Elder Luther Rice— Elder Hosea Holcombe. 

Session of 1818. — Queries answered — Petition to district the Associa- 
tion — An imposter Mitchel Austin — Elder Wm. King— Re- 
marks. 

Session of 1819. — Elder Jacob Crocker— Queries answered — Mission- 
ary operations — Kehukee Association. 

Session of 1820.— Elder Thomas Bomar— New Prospect. Washing- 
ton, Cross Roads and Macedonia Churches admitted — Queries 
answered — Remarks. 

Session of 1S21 . — Elder Samuel Gibson — Baptist Board of Missions — 
Corresponding Messengers. 

Session of 1S22. — Camp's Creek church admitted — Charleston Asso- 
ciation — Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. 

Session of 1823. — Queries answered — Remarks on same — Elder Jacob 
Crocker. 

Session of 1824. — Elder Fields Bradshaw — State Line church admit- 
ted — Query from Cedar Springs church evasively answered — 
South Carolina State Convention — Demise of Deacons Wm. Lan- 
caster and Win. Davidson. 

Session of 1825 — Elder Joel Black well— Ebenezer church admitted 
— Head of Enoree and Pacoiet churches dismissed — An impostor 
John Roberts— Messengers, to wit : Elders Humphrey Posey r " 
Reuben Coffee, Nathan Berry and Sam'l Gibson. 

Session of i826. — Mt. Ararat and Bill's Creek churches admitted — 
Bible Societies — Messengers, to-wit: Elders Thomas Goodwin, 
Larkin Stepp, Stephen Mangum, Reuben Coffee, Elias Mitchell, 
T. S. Green, W. Alexander and L. Rector. 

Session of 1827.— New Bethany and Mt. Zion churches admitted — 
Treating Candidates and Dram-drinking — Catawba River Asso- 
ciation— Remarks on Prince Alcohol. 

Session of 1828. — North Catawba, Smyrna and Double Springs dis- 
missed — Query answered — Impostors, to-wit: Wm. King, D. 
A. Balcom, Doctor Miller, John Smith, Mark Andrews, Ran- 
dolph Mabry, Leonard Prather and Elisha Revels — Remarks 
on the same. 

Session of 1829 — Query answered— False Teachers, Jesse Dinson 
and Jeremiah Cannon— Remarks. 

Session of 1830. — Query from Macedonia church — Elder Jonathan 
Guthrie — Sabbath Schools and Slaves — Demise of Elder Thos. 
Bomar. 

Session of 1831.— High Shoals Church admitted— Queries answered— 
Macedonia committee report — Remarks on Elder Jonathan 
Guthrie. 

Session of 1832.— Queries answered— Pamphlet entitled Emancipa- 
tion of Slaves rejected— Remarks on the same. 

Session of 1833. — Queries answered — Tyger River Association Re- 
marks— Dr. Sam'el Wait— Fast Day. 



CONTENTS. Vil 

Session of 1834.— Shiloh church admitted— James M. Webb's first 
appearance— Demise of Elder James Lewis — Fast days and 
remarks on the same. 

Session of 1835. — Resolution denouncing the circulation of certain 
incendiary pamphlets in the intent of the Abolition of Slavery 
— Remarks on some disorderly preachers viz. Richard Johnson, 
R. Hendrine, Samuel Thompson and Jesse Denson — Remarks 
on the same. 

Session of 1836. — S. G. Hamilton — Personal remarks of Author — Re* 
marks and extracts from circular letter prepared by Elder Ber* 
ryman Hicks on the nature of Popery, and its probable tendency 
in the United States of America. 

Session of 1837. — The demise of deacon Wm. Underwood. 
Session of 1838. — The demise Elders Joel Blackwell and John Padgett 
Session of 1839. — Query from Green River church— Salem Associati on 
Session of 1840. — Zion Hill church admitted — Dr. Felix Littlejohn 
made his first appearance — Participants in the revival. 

Session of 1841. — Elder R. P. Log an made his first appearance — Re- 
marks relative to Elder James M. Webb — A petition from Cross 
Roads church — Remarks on same. 

Session of 1842. — Corinth, Capernaum, Bethlehem, Sulphur Springs 
and Unity churches admitted—Elders Jas. D. Crowder and M» 
C. Barnett made their first appearance — Green River Association. 

Session of 1843. — The demise of Elder Zechariah Blackwell — Elder 
Wade Hill and Thomas Dixon made their first appearance. 

Session of 1844. — Upper Fair Forest and Pacolet churches admitted 
— Query from Providence church. Tabled remarks on the same 
— Elder Jno. G. Kendrick made his first appearance. 

Session of 1845. — Double Springs church admitted — Domestic Mis- 
sion field rejected— Elders Drury Scruggs and M. C. Barnett 
volunteers — Remarks on Temperance and Missions — Query 
answered— E. M. Chaffin published — Remarks on said Charrin— 
Demise of Elder Jas. D. Crowder. 

Session of 1846 — Gilead church admitted — Remarks on the adoption 
of circular letter prepared by W. Hill on Domestic missions, also 
M. C. Barnetts' account of same — Standing delegates — Demise of 
Elder Joshua Richards. 

Session of 1847. — Shelby and Ephesus churches admitted — Queries 
answered — Catawba Valley mission — Fast day — Memorial ser- 
mon of Drury Dobbins by Elder J. M. Webb— Remarks by the 
Author and Elder M. C. Barnett— Obituary notice of Drury 
Dobbins — The Author's and M. C. Barnett's account of a con- 
troversy between Drury Dobbins and J. M. Webb et. al. on the 
question of the Union meetings regulating the sessions of the 
Association. 

Session of 1848.— Boiling Springs Mt. Sinai and Bethel churches ad- 
mitted — A revival of religion —Queries from Philadelphia and 
Cedar spring's churches in relation to representative answered — 
Remarks on same by the Author — A disorderly minister J. Q. 
Barber. 

Session of 1849.— Salem and Mt. Pleasant churches admitted — A 
petition to dissolve Bethel church rejected — Missionary report of 
Elder W. Hill— Sabbath Schools. 



vin CONTENTS. 

Session of 1850.— Broad River church admitted— Elders T. D< 
uikJ J. Suttle made Licentiates — B. E. and G. W. .Rollins made 
their first appearance as ministers. 

Session of 1851. — Beaverdam and Pleasant Hill churches admitted- 
Letters of dismission granted churches to form the King's Mt. 
Association— Ignoring the wandering Pilgrim — Remarks on? 
same. 

CHAPTER III '. .;. 80-158. 

Notices of the sessions from 1851 to 1882. 

Session of 1852, — Elder W. Hill domestic missionary for York Dist. r 
S. C. — Wm. Roberts depository for missionary fund — Long Creek 
church dismissed. 

Session of 1853. — Enon church admitted — Broad River Missionary 
Society — Resolution of thanks to Thomas Curtis, D. D., for mis- 
sionary labors at Yorkville, S. 0. — Resolution against distilling 
and vending ardent spirits— Resolution favoring Sabbath schools. 

Session of 1854. — Union church admitted — Furman University- 
Remarks on Sabbath schools. 

Session of 1855.— Rutherfordton church admitted — Queries from 
Cedar Springs answered — Resolution on Temperance — Resolu- 
tion of thanks to the Methodists of Shelby N. C— -Reports on 
Sabbath schools— Remarks on same. 

Session of 1856.-— Holly Springs church admitted— Query on the 
annual call of Pastor answered — Dissolution of the Broad River 
Missionary Society and the Association becomes a Missionary 
body— Rutherfordton church assisted— Report of committee on 
corresponding minutes— Remarks on Sabbath schools. 

Session of 1857. — Mt. Lebanon church admitted — Report on Sabbath 
schools— Remarks on same— Report on Finance — Report of Ex- 
ecutive Board of Missions — Remarks and resolution on same — 
Elder L. M. Berry agent of Domestic and Indian Missions. 

Session of 1858.— Executive Board of Missions— Report on Finance 
—Report of Executive Board — Sabbath schools. 

Session of 1859.— Mt. Zion church admitted — Report on Sabbath 
schools — Elder Thos. Curtis D. D. perished in the flames of the 
ill-fated steamer "North Carolina" — Report on obituaries — Re- 
port of the Executive Board of Missions— Remarks on same. 

Session of 1»60. — Sardis church admitted — Distinguished visitors, E. 
A. Crawly D. D., J. O. B. Dargan D. D., W. B. Carson and J. 
E. Rae — Query from Goucher creek answered — Synoptical his- 
tory of the Association — Remarks on same — Report on Sabbath 
schools by Toliver Davis — Distillers of ardent spirits— Operations 
of the Executive Board. 

Session of 1861. — Report of Treasurer of Executive Board — Demise 
of Elders F. W. Littlejohn, M. Mullinax and J. Suttle and Bro. 
J. W. Cooper— Resolution endorsing Secession — Remarks on the 
same. 

Session of 1862.— Elders W. H. Mcintosh and W. D. Rice— Report of 
Executive Board —Deceased brethren J. G. Mullinax, E. H. 
Smith and C. P. Petty— Resolution requesting prayer for the 
Confederate Soldiers. 

Session of 1863.— Shelby church admitted— Request of State Liny 
church granted — Query about Confederate deserters answered 
—Operations of the Missionary Board — Remarks — Demise of 
Deacons James Spears, M. S. Kendrick and A. Bonner. 



CONTENTS. i x 

Session of 1864. — New Prospect and Buffalo churches admited — 
Salem church dismissed-- Report of, committee sent to State 
Line church in regard to Dru'ry Scruggs— Action of the Associa- 
tion in reference to D. Scruggs and the State Line church — Re- 
marks on same — Domestic Missionary Board — Demise of Deacons 
Wm. Ezell, M. T. Pope, Win. Spears and Wm. Moore. 
Session of I860. — Report on Sabbath schools — Voluntary Missionary 
labor by T. R. Gaines and T. J. Campbell— The Board of Mis- 
sions dispensed with ^he present year — Demise of Deacons Jos. 
Guyton and L. Ferguson— Friendship, the oldest church in the 
Association — Report of committee on Associational correspond- 
ence. 
Session of 1866. — Yorkville church admitted — Distinguished visitors — 
Change in the action of State Convention and remarks on same — 
Demise of Col. James Jeffries, Toliver Davis, Philip Watkins and 
Wm. Roberts— Report of committee on colored people and re- 
marks on same — Report of committee on correspondence. 
S ession of 1867. — Ordination of L. C. Ezell and remarks on the same 

— History of the Associatian — Report of Executive Board. 
Session of 1868. — J. C. Furman D. D., J. C. Landrum, S. Drummond 
and T. W. Smith — Denominational courtesy extended to Revs. 
A. A. James and C. S. Baird— Associational History — York As- 
sociation— Report of Executive Board and remarks on same — A 
standing delegation — A doubting disciple— Mt. Lebanon church 
dismissed — Fast day. 
Session of 1869.— Visitors— T. H. Pope, W. T. Walters D. D., W. D. 
Elkin and T. H. Smith — Associational History — Head Stone for 
Z. Blackwell and remarks on same— Sardis church — Standing 
delegation again and remarks on same — Executive Board. 
Session of 1870— Visitors, Elders J. K. Mendenhall D. D., E. A. 
Pete, G. W. Rollins, R. P. Logan, N. B. Cobb, B. G. Covington, 
and J. F. Morall D. D. — Resolution respecting Furmari Univer- 
sity and remarks on same — Sabbath schools— Report of commit- 
tee on Obituaries — Inquiry respecting: Associational History — 
Rutherfordton church dismissed — Report of Executive Board of 
Missions. 
Session of 1871. — Pleasant Grove and Brown's Chapel church ad- 
mitted—Visitors, Elders M. V. B. Lankford, T. H. Smith, T. R. 
Gaines and J. L. Vass— Elder M. C. Barnett's report in relation 
to the history of the Association — Report on Temperance — De- 
mise of Joseph Mullinax — Gravestones for Z. Blackwell again — 
A colored Missionary Baptist Association — Shelby, New Prospect 
and Capernaum churches dismissed — Report of committee on 
Domestic and Indian Missions— Report of Executive Board and 
remarks on same. 
Session of 1872. — Sandy Springs church admitted — Palmetto Orphan 
Home— Resolution on Systematic Beneficence — Report on for- 
eign Missions — Executive Board of Missions — Demise of Elder 
J. G. Kendrick and Deacon E. A. Byers — Mt. Zion church dis- 
missed. 
Session of 1873. — Reportof committee on Headstones for Z. Blackwell 
— Report of Executive Board of Missions — Demise of M. C. Bar- 
nett and Deacons Thompson Robbs and A. Lovelace, J. M. 
Byars and Caroline Moorehead, Antioch church dismissed. 
Session of 1874.— Visitors, J. B. Patrick and Elders G. S. Anderson 
and Wm. Williams D. D. — Report of committee on Tombstones 
for Z. Blackwell — Report of Executive Board — Demise of Elder 
Wm, Curtis L. L. D. and Deacon James Ezell — Resolution in 
favor of J. E. Burgess. 
*B 



x CONTENTS. 

Session of 1875. — Abington creek church admitted — Report of Exec- 
utive Board of Missions — Retailing Ardent Spirits — Spartanburg 
Association — Demise of Deacon John Byars, 

Session of 1876. — Messengers, Elders J. G. Landrum and J. S. Ezell 
— Report of Executive Board of Missions and Remarks on same — 
Demise of Deacons Edward Lipscomb and L. C. Cements. 

Session of 1877.— Mt. Joy church admitted— Resolution in regard to 
the employment of an Evangelist and Remarks on same — Demise 
of Elder A. Padgett and Isaac Peeler. 

Session of 1878. — Cowpens church admitted — The State Board repu- 
diated — Report of Executive Board of Missions — Demise of Dea- 
cons Absalom Ward, Jefferson Mabry and A. Aiken. 

Session of 1879 — Grassy Pond, Cherokee C'k, New Pleasant, Pleasant 
Grove and Bivingsville churches admitted — Elder A. W. Lamar 
— Resolution on missionary work — Demise of Elders J. Lee and 
W. Hill, and deacon Williams of New Prospect. 

Session of 1880.— Beaverdam church admitted— Elder W. H. Strick- 
land cor. sec. State Mission Board — Report of Executive Board 
of Missions and remarks on same — Demise of deacon Woodward 
Allen, James K. Finch and Robert White. 

Session of 1881. — Clifton church admitted — Messengers Elders W. 
L. Brown, J. L. Vass, Charles Manly, D. I)., J. G. Landrum, 
Prof. J. B. Patrick and R. O. Sams — Cooper Limestone Institute, 
Greenville Military institute, Furman L T niversit3', Greenville 
Female College, Baptist Courier and remarks on same — The peo- 
ple suffering greatly from drought — Prayer for the President of 
the United States— State missions— Report of Executive Board — 
The last address, by Elder J. G. Landrum before the Broad River 
Association— Demise of Eli Bryant, W. L, Brown and J. F. 
Clary — Reflections by the author. 

Session of 1882. — Nazareth church admitted— Elders Griffith, Pitman , 
Foster and others — Remarks on the session by the author. 

CHAPTER IV 158-244 

Organization of the King's Mountain Baptist Association — Boundary 
of the Association — Summary of proceedings — Corresponding- 
Letter. 

Session of 1852. — High Shoal and Mt. Vernon churches admitted- 
Corresponding bodies represented Broad River, Green River and 
Catawba — Fast day appointed. 

Session of 1853. — Mt. Paron, Corinth and Big Spring Churches ad- 
mitted — Temperance resolution — Change of Constitution — Elders 
Dove Pannell and Joseph Suttle were appointed Missionaries. 

Session of 1854. — Sandy Plains, New Prospect, Bethlehem and Long 
Creek churches admitted — Bogus delegates — Queries answered — 
Preamble and Resolutions in regard to Ebenezer church and Re- 
marks on same — Report of Elders Dove Pannell and Joseph Sut- 
tle Missionaries to Catawba Valley. 

Session of 1855. — Olivet, St. John's and Lebanon churches admitted 
— Missionary Board, J. R. Logan, F. S. Ramsour and W. K. 
Green — Free will offerings — Committee of inquiry relative to 

. High Shoal church — Report on Sabbath Schools. 

Session of 1856. -Shelby, Concord and Thesaioniea churches admit- 
ted — Report of R. P. Logan and remarks on same — Resolutions on 
Temperance — Gaming and Dancing — Report on babbath schools 
Report of the Committee appointed to visit High Shoal church- 
Elder R. P. Logan again employed as Missionary. 



CONTENTS. xi 

Session of 1857.— Elder L. M. Berry agent of Domestic and Indian 
Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention — Resolution 
against inviting Pedo Baptist Ministers-— Resolution on the dis- 
mission of members and Remarks on same. 

Session of 1858. — Rejection of Shelby church and Remarks on same- 
Resolution of sympathy for J. R. Graves, editor of the"Tennessee 
Baptist" — Funds for Missions. 

Session of 1859. — Lincolnton church admitted — Elder L. M. Berry 
made his first appearance as a delegate — Shelby church dis- 
missed — Report on Temperance and Resolution and Remarks on 
same — Report of committee on state of religion — Revision of the 
Constitution and Remarks on same. 

Session of 1860. — The seceding Session on the subject of Temperance 
— Zion Hill church admitted — Preamble and Resolutions and re- 
marks on same — Revised Constitution of the King's Mountain 
Baptist Association. 

Session of 1861— Bethel church admitted — Another preamble and 
resolution on temperance — Report of com. sent to Walls' church 
— Letter to corresponding bodies — Demise of Elder Joseph Sut- 
tie. and deacon Wm. Covington— Resolution on humiliation 
and prayer. 

Session of 1862.— Report of Elders Lewis McCurry and L. M. Berry 
as Missionaries to the Catawba Valley — Intent of the Temper- 
ance resolution— Preamble and resolution against speeluators and 
remarks on same— Objects of Associational work — Buffalo, New 
Prospect and St. John's churches dismissed — Fast days — Demise 
of Solomon Baker. 

Session of 1863, — Sabbath collection — Resolution on change of session 
— Notice as published by the Broad River Association of Elder 
Drury Scruggs and remarks on same. 

Session of 1864.— Elder J. -K. Howell from Central Association — 
Elder G. M. Webb appointed Sabbath school Missionary — Cor- 
responding letter. 

Session of 1865.— Queries answered — Baptist church and Sunday 
school mesenger and remarks on same — G« M. Webb's report as 
S. S. agent — Reports on Domestic Missions, Temperance and 
moral aspects — State of the country and remarks on same — Re- 
port of committee on obituaries. 

Session of 1866. —Elder D. Pannell's memorial touching matters of 
. grievance from brethren composing the so-called "Constitutional 
King's Mountain Baptist Association" — Preamble and resolution 
by J. H. Yarboro — Committee on conference— Publication of 
minutes defered— Elder John S. Ezell appointed to 
preach introductory sermon to the proceedings of Convention — 
Query from Lincolnton church answe re d— :Circular letter by J. 
R. Logan — Journal of the convention that united the two wings 
of the King's Mountain Association. 

Session of 1867. — Re-districting the Association — Query answered — 
Resolution of R. Poston requesting the churches to send up free 
will offerings for Missions, 

Session of 1868.— Visitors, Elders J. S. Ezell, E. Allison, J. J. Jones 
and brethren Wm. Walker, Miles T. Walker and J. H. Mills- 
Oct. 29th 1868 set apart as a day of Humiliation and prayer — 
Objects of Associational work. 

Session of 1869.— The payment of just debts— Wake Forest benefi- 
ciaries — A bequest by J. J. Hicks— Baptist State Convention — 
Demise of Deacon Daniel Hamrick. 
B 



xn CONTENTS. 

Session of 1870.— Report of committee on Missions— Brethren J. A. 
Roberts, E. J. Lovelace and J. C. Lattimore appointed a Mis- 
sionary Board. 

Session of 1871.— Capernaum, Shelby and New Prospect churches 
admitted— Change in abstract of principles — Report of the com- 
mittee on state of religion— Demise of Deacon Samuel Harrill. 

Session of 1872. — Mt. Zion church admitted— Corinth church dis*- 
missed— Report of committee on Missions — Newton J. Long and 
his body guard of United States cavalry and remarks on same- 
Report on Temperance — Report of committee on obituaries — 
Systematic beneficence — Demise of Elder M. C. Barnett. 

Session of 1873.— Antioch church admitted— Report of Missions by 
J. D. Hufham — Bethel church (Iredell) dismissed — Fast day — 
Committee to revise constitution. 

Session of 1874. — New Hope church admitted— Report of committee 
on revision of constitution tabled and remarks'on same —Report 
on Education by B. H. Bridges — Demise of L. R. Rollins a 
young minister. 

Session of 1875. -Buffalo church again admitted— Objects of Associ- 
ational Work — Elder J. B. Richardson— Lincoln'ton church dis- 
missed— Query from Double Springs answered. 

Session of 1876.— Queries from Zoar church answered — Sunday ser- 
vices conducted by Elders J. B. Richardson, A. L. Stough and 
G. M. Webb. 

Session of 1877. — Gastoriia church admitted — Distinguished visitors 
—Report on missions by G. M. Webb — Report on "Temperance by 
A. Ii. Stough — Resolution byBro. R. E. Porter endorsing the 
King's Mountain Female Seminary — Report of committee on 
Female College and Remarks on same — Olivet church dismissed. 

Session of 1878. — Report of Board of Associational Missions — Board 
of Missions discontinued and B. H. Bridges made Associational 
Treasurer— Queries from Wall's and Pleasant Hill churches 
answered — Remarks on query from Pleasant Hill — Report on 
Education by J. A. White— King's Mountain Female College 
again and remarks on same — Demise of Deacon Jno. Kendrick. 

Session of 1879. — Pleasant Grove and State Line churches admitted — 
Elders H. Hatcher and T. H. Pritchard D. D.— Demise of Elder 
W. Hill and brethren James Poston (licentiate) Deacons A. S. 
Elam, Henderson Roberts and W. R. Roberts. 

Session of 1880. — Long creek and Dallas churches admitted — Mes- 
engers, Eiders J. C. Grayson,' Lewis McCurry, H. Hatcher. T. 
Harrison and J. M. Williams — Demise of Deacon G. Herndon. 

Session of 1881. — Visitors, Elders J. B. Boone, W. L. Brown and 
Prof. H. W. Reinhardt — Report on Education by H. W. Rein- 
hard t — Report on Sabbath schools by A. A. McSwain — Report 
on Foreign Missions by A. L. Stough— Report on State Missions 
by W. A. Nelson — Report on Home and Indian Missions by P. 
R. Elam — A. L. Stough appointed missionary- -Report on reli- 
gious Literature by B.'H. Bridges — Resolution of T. D. Latti- 
more and remarks on same — Report on obituaries by J. R. Logan 

Session of 1882.— Ross' Grove, Zion Hill, Loenard's Fork, Shady 
Grove and Fair View churches admitted— Report of committee 
on State Missions — Report of A. L. Stough as missionary — De- 
mise of Elder R. P. Logan and Deacons Abraham Hardin and 
George Hamrick. 



CONTENT'S. 



CHAPTER V.,... : .. ; 245 to 248 

'Summary of the Journalistic part of the work. 
CHAPTER VI. 



BIOGRAPHIC 

Abernetnv,A.-......., 249 

Allen, W (Deacon) ....2.54 

Barnett, J.. 255 

Barnett, M C 255 

Berry, L M .....262 

Bonner, B 267 

Blackwell, Z ......268 

Blackwell, J 269 

Bomar, T 271 

Brewton, G .......273 

Blackwell, Jno ....273 

Brown, W L 274 

Burgess, T ..........274 

Burgess, J E 27-5 

Bridges, J M .' 276 

Byers, J 276 

Blythe, S 276 

Bankstone, J 277 

Bradstiaw,F. ...... 277 

Camp, J 277 

Carlton, A 278 

Cantrell, I.,.., ..279 

Crocker, J...... 279 

Caasler, A J 282: 

Campbell,. T J....... 287 

Carlton, T .... 2S8 

Carpenter, D 288 

Carter, J G 289 

Cobb, NB 296 

Chaffin, E M 297 

Curtis, W (L. L. B.) 29S 

Curtis, T (D. D.).... 304 

Crowder, J,D 338 

Craig, T 339' 

Crow, A 339 

Cockerham, W 339 

Carroll, H W (licentiate) 339 

Dalton, J 340 

Davidson, A J 3^0 

Dixon, T..... ....341 

Dixon, AC... 345 

Doyale, D... 346 

Dobbins, D 346 

Durham, J ....369 

Durham, C 370 

Elam, PR... ....370 

Ezell, J S 371 

Ezeli, L C... 381 

Forest, D 381 

Forest, W M : 382 

Gaines, TR 382 

Gibson, S 386 

Gold, P D... ..389 

Gravson, J C 390 

Grogan, T, 395 

Guthrie, J 396 



AL SKETCHES. 

Hamilton, S G.. '..... ..396 

Hamriek, GP.,., 403 

Harrill; W ,. .404 

Harris, JL 404 

Harguess, .A;...,. 404 

Holland, J 405 

Hannon, W.. „ 405 

Henderson,. H 405 

Hicks, B j; 406 

Hill, W 418 

Hilderbran, A...., 427 

Holcombe, H 427 

Huett. J ....428 

Hollyfield, J 428 

Hoyle, J A... 429 

Hall, J 429 

Irvih, A C 430 

Jackson, £f 431 

Jones, J J. 431 

Justice, T B .-; ,. 432 

Kendrick,J. G 433 

King, W 436 

Kuykendall, J 438 

Kirby, B T 439 

Landrum, J G. .............. ........439 

Lanklbrd,' W 460 

Lemons, I ..460 

Lewis, J 461 

Lewis, J W ........462 

Lee, J 467 

Leatherman, J F 468 

Lee, J K 468 

Littlejohn. F VV 468 

Lindsey, W 469 

Lyon. J 469 

Lancaster, W D 470 

Logan, R P 470 

McDougald, H 471 

McBee, E :472 

Mallary, RD ..472 

McCraw, J M 472 

McSwain, W ...473 

Morgan. P .....473 

McKissick, 1 474 

Martin, W 474 

Moore, H .....474 

McSwain, A A. 475 

Moorehead, W G 480 

McSwain, S H 480 

Morgan, S 481 

Mullinax, M ...481 

Moss, N H 481 

Mulinax, T H , 482 

Mullino, P S 482 

Nelson, W A 4S3 

Owens, M C 483 



XIV 



CONTENTS. 



Pannell, M 484 

Padgett, J 484 

Padgett, A 485 

Padgett, W B 486 

Poston, F H 487 

Pannell, D..., 487 

Phillips, G 491 

Posey, H 493 

Poston, R t 498 

Pursley, T K 496 

Quinn, H (licentiate) .......497 

Rainwaters, J 500 

Ranisour. P : 500 

Rice, T d ...504 

Richards, J 504 

Rollins. G W 506 

Rollins, B E..... 510 

Ruppe, J 511 

Shadwick L 513 

Stough, A L 513 

Styers, J P....'. 515 



Suttle, J 515 

Tate, W T 524 

Taylor, T J 525 

Turner, J 527 

Tollison, J 527 

Underwood, E J 528 

West, J 528 

Weathers, T 528 

Webb, JM.; 528 

Webb, A 540 

Whitten, J (licentiate) ...541 

Webb, G M 542 

Wilkie, G 547 

Williams, J M 548 

Wilkie, W 549 

Wilkie, J 550 

White, W 550 

Williams, M .....550 

Wray, D 551 

White, J A ....551 

Yorboro, J H 552 



CHAPTER VII. 

SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES OF THE BROAD RIVER ASSOCIATION. 



Abingdon Creek 556 

Arrowood 557 

Bethesda 557 

Bivingsville 558 

Beaverdam 558 

Brown's Chapel........ 558 

Buck Creek .559 

Camp's Creek 560 

Cedar Springs..,. 561 

Cherokee Creek 562 

Clifton 562 

Corinth 563 

Cowpens 563 

El Bethel ....564 

Friendship 565 



Gilead ...566 

Goucher Creek -. 566 

Grassy Pond 567 

Macedonia 568 

Mt. Ararat 569 

Mt. Joy 570 

New Pleasant 570 

Pacolet 571 

Pacolet No. 2.. 572 

Piedmont ...572 

Providence ... .! 572 

Sandy Springs 573 

State Line 574 

Unity ..575 

Zion Hill ,. 575 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SKETCHES CF THE CHURCHES OF THE KINGS'S MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION. 



Antioch -. 576 

Beaverdam 578 

Bethel. ..........578 

Bethlehem......... ..579 

Big Springs.............. 580' 

Boiling Spring .581 

Buffalo • 582 

Capernaum 584 

Concord 585 

Dallas 585 

Double Springs ....586 

Fair View.....'. 587 

Gastohia 587 

High Shoals .....588 

Leonard's Fork 589 

Long Creek .-. 589 

Mt. Harmony 590 



Mt. Paron.... 591 

Mt. Pleasant 591 

Mt. Sinai ......592 

Mt. Vernon........ 593 

New Bethel: 593 

New Hope 594 

New Prospect. 595 

Pleasant Grove 596 

Pleasant Hill 596 

Ross 7 Grove 59S 

Sandv Run 599 

Shadv Grove 600 

Shelby 601 

State Line 602 

Walls 602 

Zion 603 

Zoar... 603 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR xv 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR, 
JOHN R. LOGAN. 

"Stillest streams 
Oft water fairest meadows, and the bird 
That flutters least is longest on the wing. '.' 

"Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls 
wisdom. " — Coleridge. 

'• From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are 
able to make thee wise unto salvation. V — 2. Tim. i= 15. 

"Grown ripe in years and old in piety. "~-Prior. 

The author of this valuable church history, John Ran- 
dolph Logan, was born on April 10th, 1811, in the county of 
York, South Carolina. Amid very humble surroundings 
he first saw the light, and his early childhood gave little 
promise of that long career of usefulness and honor which 
was his. Of his early trials, of the difficulties with which 
he had to contend, of the disadvantages under which he 
labored, and of the manner in which even in those early days 
he rose superior to all obstacles and to his surroundings, but 
little is known. When and where, and under whose train- 
ing he began to develope those sterling traits of character 
which made him a conspicuous figure throughout his entire 
lifetime cannot now be ascertained. We find him, however, 
when he had first arrived at his majority filling a position of 
trust and confidence in his own county and state, and from 
this time up to his death his life was brimful of useful service 
both in church and in state. 

John R. Logan as soon as he had come of age acquired 
a knowledge of surveying, and for more than fifty years he 
was more or less actively engaged in this business. Perhaps 
there is no incident in his life more characteristic of the man 
than this one which happened in his early manhood. Abra- 
ham Hardin, a surveyor of the old time, became interested 
in him and recognized in him a young man of more than 
average ability. He saw that he was ambitious to learn, full 
of energy and dogged perseverence, and willing to make any 
sacrifice to secure mental improvement. He accordingly de- 
cided to teach him the art of surveying, and he found him 



xvi . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR 

from the very first an apt pupil. After Mr. Hardin had 
perfected young Logan's training, he was accosted by the- 
latter one day who inquired what his charges for the services 
he had rendered jiihi w r ere. Mr. Hardin refused ..to accept 
anything, saying it* had been a pleasure to him to instruct 
and thus to assist so worthy a young man. But young Logan 
was not satisfied with this, and despite all Mr. Hardin's re- 
monstrances, he secured a mattock, joined the other hands 
in the newgroundy and did for Mr. Hardin as many days 
faithful grubbing as he had; spent in teaching him.. What a 
flood of light this incident throws upon the character of the 
man ! How does the simple' recital of it open up to . our 
vision his whole inner nature ! Is it any wonder that one 
in whom the sense of gratitude Was thus embodied should 
have through all his days worn "the white flower of a blame- 
less life 75 ?" I'y 

We are not surprised to find that as a surveyor John 
E. Logan's services were in great demand. There are few 
homesteads in Cleveland county that have not been run off 
hy him, and one now in the examination of titles constantly 
meets with his old plats and surveys. This work is done 
with great neatness and cleverness. The drawings evidence a 
skilled and experienced hand, and the whole mechanical execu- 
tion of his plats is of the first order. Surveying in those early 
days in which Join R. Logan acquired it was a much more 
lucrative and honorable, profession than now. It was an art 
that the common people could not easily comprehend, and a 
surveyor was regarded with a kind of awe, and looked up to 
as a superior both mentally and socially. Whatever may 
have induced John R. Logan to adopt this calling, it is cer- 
tain that throughout his life it was a source of profit as well 
as much pleasure to him. 

But to speak of John R. Logan as a surveyor by profes- 
sion is perhaps misleading. He engaged in many kinds of 
work, always doing whatever his hands found to do and 
doing it well. As a young man he taught school in York 
county. He was an acting Justice of the Peace there also for 
several years, but when he moved over the line into Cleve- 
land county, (then Rutherford) which he did in the year 1836, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SK ETCH O^ THE AUTH OR. xvii 
he located on a farm. And during the whole forty-eight 
years in which he lived in this the county of his adaption, 
he owned and succesfully operated a farm. Surveying may, 
therefore, be said to have beeu more of a diversion, while 
farming was the serious business of his life. He was not 
afraid of toil, but worked with his own hands, and counted 
honest labor honorable. Few men have done the untiring 
manual labor that John R. Logan did without dropping into 
a narrow groove, loosing interest in public affairs, and sadly 
neglecting the wants of their higher natures. But he, while 
he knew not what idleness was, always took a deep interest 
in public affairs, rendering valuable public service himself 
oftentimes, and more he never allowed his mental needs 
and spiritual wants to be neglected, but was all through life 
a close student and an active church worker. 

John R. Logan filled a number of positions of public 
trust here, and he always filled them with great acceptability 
to the people. Shortly after coming into North Carolina he 
was appointed deputy sheriff under Charles Blanton, and he 
held this position for some time. He was County Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction during the entire term of office 
of that great father of common school education in North 
Carolina, Calvin H. Wiley, and Cleveland county has had 
no more active and energetic educational worker than he 
made during the years of this service. Then he was for a 
number of years county surveyor. Before the war and in the 
days when the good old-fashioned county courts were in 
vogue, John R. Logan was almost constantly a member of 
ours, and not unfrequently he was its chairman. He was in 
sympathy with the nullification movement in his native state 
and was a staunch advocate of states' rights. His views on 
these were never changed. And after the war he was for 
several years county commissioner, an office the most honor- 
able in the gift of the county. Besides he was for three terms 
a member of the state legislature. In the years 1860-'61 his 
compeer was Abraham G. Walters, in 1862- , 63 David Beam, 
and in 1865-'66 Capt. J. W. Gidney. As a legislator he was 
faithful to his constituents' every interest— a hard-working, 
conscientious, and intelligent representative. There were 
*C 



xviii BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR. 

doubtless other positions of public trust held by him, but 
these will suffice. These show the esteem and confidence in 

which he was held by his people, and these carry with them 
their own eulogy. John K. Logan was a self-made man. He 
had no early educational advantages, and yet despite this 
fact he won honors which do not come to every man. Had 
he been broadened and developed by a liberal education, he 
would have taken high rank. As it was, by dint of his own 
energy and by setting before himself only high ideals, he 
added honor to himself and left a gracious memory to his 
children. 

But while John R. Logan rendered valuable public 
service in his day, still it was perhaps in church that he did 
the most lasting good. He was baptized into the fellowship 
of the Antioch Baptist church of York county, South Caroli- 
na, August 4th, 1833. Three years later he came to Cleve- 
land, and here he joined the Broad River Association at 
Zion church, and at that session was made its reading clerk. 
For a number of years he was clerk of this body, and when 
the King's Mountain Association was organized he was con- 
tinued in this position during many years. When Zoar Bap- 
tist church was dedicated in 1838, he was made a deacon, and 
was for years one of the pillars of this church. He was ever 
zealous in church work. While he had deep denominational 
convictions, he was in no wise narrow and sectarian, but 
when his own church duties would permit was often times 
found worshipping with congregations of a different religious 
faith from himself. lie came into this section when his 
churchas' an organized religious body, was in its forma- 
tion period, and his fine executive abilities and his sturdy 
common sense were invaluable to it. It is regrettable that 
some older hand — some fellow-worker in those important 
labors could not have performed this task, and done him that 
completer justice than I may hope to do, and that he so em- 
inently deserves. But need much be said about the religious 
side of his life ? Is not this work itself a sufficient commen- 
tary upon it? "Who but a devout christian — who but an 
active church worker— would have undertaken and completed 
so laborious a task? Its every page breathes of his religious 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR. xa& 
fervor, and its every line tells the story of his christian walk 
&nd conversation. Few laymen would have been found with 
the consecration to undertake such a work. But it has been 
done with a faithful and painstaking hand. To a peculiar 
fitness for the task by reason of his intimate connection with 
these early churches, the author has. brought an appreciation 
of the cuhrch's early struggles, and a Jove for its cause that 
are most rare. And to him the church owes a lasting debt 
of gratitude. 

But after all it is John R. Logan, the man, that is most 
interesting. Important as his public service was, invaluable 
as his labors for the church were, we turn aside from these 
to admire him as a man. In person he was not a striking 
iigure, and yet he was such a man as would attract attention 
in any crowd. His head was large and well shaped and his 
prominent forehead indicated great intellectual force. He 
had in his early days an erect carriage and was withal a" 
handsome figure. But it is his character more than his per- 
son that attracts us. He was a full-rounded christian gen- 
tleman. In all his associations he was characterized by a 
gentle dignity, an unconscious grace, and a tender sympathy 
for his fellows that marked him -as one of nature's noblemen. 
He was twice married. In the year 1836 he married Sarah P. 
Jackson, daughter of David Jackson, of York county, S. C, 
and from this union there were six sons and four daughters 
born to him. His first wife having died, he again married, 
and this in the vear 1870 to II. E. Allison, daughter of Hugh 
Allison, of the same county and state from which he took 
Iiis first wife. The children of this marriage were, two 
daughters and one son. It will be seen that he was the 
father of a large family, and it is in the domestic circle that 
his graces of character are best studied. As a father he was 
loving and affectionate, but never demonstrative. He called 
forth the highest respect from his children. They regarded 
him as a friend as well as a father, and confided in him to a 
degree that children rarely do. He endeavored to bring up 
his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, ancl 
required a rigid observance of the Sabbath from them. Two 
of his sons died as brave christian soldiers in the war, and of 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR 

those that are now living all are leading useful and honora- 
ble lives. His was a smooth, even disposition. He was 
never meddlesome, quarrelsome, or fractions,, but where 
aroused had all the determination and combativeness one 
could ask. He could never brook imposition whether prac- 
ticed upon himself or upon others. This aroused all the 
wrath of his nature and put him in arms at once. He was 
a kind and accommodating neighbor, always a friend in need, 
and a strong arm of sympathy in distress. He was noted for 
his hospitality and the fathers of the church always made his 
home a stopping place, for they always found the latch 
strings on the outside. He was in his element with these, 
Nothing was more pleasant to him than to go over his well 
stocked library and with them to discuss books and religious 
tenents. And doubtless it was a mutual pleasure. 

But why go on to particularize ? Justinian summed up 
all law and good living in the following maxim: "Live 
honestly, do no harm, and render to each man his own.' 7 
John R. Logan filled up to the full measure of this both in 
the letter and in the spirit. When it is said he was a chris- 
tian gentleman, all has been said that could be said. His 
life was full of fragrance as the lives of good men always are. 
His was a character that must have had its influence for good 
ou all with whom he came in contact. His is a memory 
that is well worth preserving. His is a name of which 
his children, his county, and his church may well be 
proud. 

On April 14th, 1884, while at work on his farm John 
JR. Logan was stricken with apoplexy and died. "Grown 
ripe in years and old in piety," he drifted out on the dark and 
unknown sea that rolls around all the world, ISTo, not upon 
an unknown sea, for his faith was sure and his hope was un- 
wavering. Like a full ripe shock of grain he was garnered, 
and at the age of seventy-three he slept the sleep of the 
righteous, lying down in peace and in honor. May this brief 
glance at his life lead the reader to a desire for that fuller and 
better acquaintance with him, which will come from a careful 
perusal of this work. 



THI 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 



CHAPTER I. 

ITS LOCALITY— OiUGlN OF FAME— RESOURCES— THE GREAT REVIVAL 
FROM 1709 TO 1P<J3. 

This body was originally composed of churches situate 
mostly on the waters of Main Broad River; from which cir- 
cumstance it derives its name. The Broad River, which was 
no doubt so-called by the aboriginal inhabitants of the sur- 
rounding countrv. is a magnificent stream, having its source 
in the famous Alleghany Blue Ridge, which separates the 
waters that flow through the Carolinas and Georgia, from 
those of Tennessee and Kentucky. This notable river has 
many tributaries, and as some of the churches composing 
the Association derive their names from them, it will there- 
fore not he amiss to mention some of the most prominent. 
We first notice the Green River, and Mountain Creek; then 
the Second Broad, with its tributaries, Bill's Creek, Cane 
C>'eek, Robison's and Cathey's; then as tributaries of First 
Broad River, Sandy Run, Beaverdarn and Brushy Greek; and 
after crossing the First Broad— Boron's Rivei%Main Buffalo, 
Muddy Fork of Buffalo, King's Creek and Bullock's Creek', 
which all empty into Main Broad from the Xorth side. On 
the South side are Ash worth's Creek, Camp's, Sarratt/s, 
Cherokee, Thickety and Goueher's Creeks. The Paeolcts, 
(North Prong and Lawson's Fork) Tiger, Enoree and the 
Saluda, with their tributaries all run into Main Broad River. 
1 



2 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The French Broad with its branches, the Doe and Wau- 
tatiga, have their sources in the same dividing ridge of the 
Alleghanies, as have also theNolachucky and Holston. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The Broad Eiver Association when first organized in 
1800, consisted of fourteen churches, dismissed by letter from 
the Bethel Association, to-wit: Tiger River, Boiling Spring, 
Green's Creek, Goucher Creek, Sandy Run, Buffalo, Green 
River, Cedar Springs, French Broad, Mountain Creek, Bill's 
Creek, State Line, Buck Creek and Long Creek to which 
were added Silver Creek and Caney River, new constitutions, 
making a body of sixteen in all. These churches Were sit- 
uated in the north-west corner of South Carolina, and in 
the adjoining parts of North Carolina. The original area 
extending as it then did over the Blue Ridge to the French 
Broad, must have exceeded over three thousand square 
miles. A large portion of this territory is fertile and partic- 
ularly on the water courses well adapted to the growth of the 
cereals; while the uplands or ridge portion is now greatly in 
demand for the production of cotton and the various fruits 
indigenous to the climate or country. Everything consid- 
ered, soil, climate, water power, society and many other ad- 
vantages generally desired but too tedious to enumerate, 
render this one of the most desirable places to locate in that 
we have any knowledge of. In point of substantial wealth 
as a community it has few superiors. 

CONTEMPLATED TRANSPORTATION. 

Before the era of steam or rairoads had dawned upon 
this country, an enterprising company had anticipated the 
practicability of navigating the Broad River with small craft 
as high up as the present Ellis' Ferry, and had actually with 
a view to an improvement of that kind, laid off and disposed 
of the lots preparatory to the erection of a town on the East 
side of the River, opposite said ferry, which, in honor of 
Aaron Burr they named Burrtown. But the perfidy ot Burr, 
which soon after developed itself, and the subsequent agita- 
tion and success of steam power in the shape of railroad con- 
veniences arrested the progress of this internal improvement 
measure and it was abandoned; and at the present time when 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 3 

we have three railroads traversing the bounds of the old 
Broad River Association there no longer exists a necessity 
for such an enterprise. Better for that the River remain 
without any disturbing restrictions upon the manufacturing 
enterprises that seek to utilize, its fine propelling power. 
We now have the Air Line running through the Associa- 
tional territory, crossing Broad River near the Cherokee 
Ford, and the Carolina Central from Wilmington terminat- 
1112: at the town, of Shelbv which as located is running nearly 

O " CD .J 

centrally (as far as it goes) through the Associational territory; 
while the Chester & Lenoir Narrow Gauo-e, is discing: ^ s 
way from Yorkville to Hickory via Gastonia and Dallas, 
running through the Eastern part of our Associational 
boundary. So that our transportation facilities if not the very 
best are certainly very good. 

BOUNDARY OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

Our Associational boundary includes the historic peak 
of King's Mountain, Wofford's Iron Works on Pacolet, near to 
where Bivingsville is now situated. Qowpens and the cele- 
brated Cedar Spring: at all of which noted places the Scotch 
Irish Whigs of the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia battling 
for equal rights aud religious privileges, met and confronted 
the British foe and made a successful oblation of their blood 
for the independence we now enjoy. Of this we shall here- 
after have more to say. 

AGE OR RANK. 

The Broad River is the third oldest Association in the 
State of North Carolina, counting from the Charleston, which 
was formed in 1751 of four churches only. The Congaree, 
including the upper portion of the State, had been formed 
in 1771, but by reason of a species of tampering by the body 
with the internal discipline of the churches, infringing on 
their independency, in a few years it was entirely broken up 
and disbanded. The Bethel, then grew up out of the ruins 
of the Congaree, and the same churches under new auspices 
increased and flourished, sending out branches in different 
directions. In 1789 several of those which had formerly 
been constituent members of the Congaree, uniting with 
others that had been raised up since it was dissolved, formed 



4 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

the Bethel Association , the mother of the Broad River body, 

Here Ave may with propriety dwell for a moment, and 
ask, in the language of the historian, Elder M. C. Barnett, 
"If all the ministers, associations, churches and membership 
of which this Association was the mother had been made to 
pass before their eyes in the next hundred years after their 
first meeting, would it not have been a great tax upon their 
credulity to have admitted that such results could be realized 
in so short a period of time — almost within the life time of 
one man ? " In the language of another, "We are led here 
to view the great current of human affairs as moving on 
without our consent, and without our control. What an 
idea does it give of our insignificance and entire dependence 
upon God ! But though oar influence in counteracting the 
events of time be very small, yet their influence with us is 
great. We are either the better or the worse for the times 
that have gone over us and may be so to eternity. The 
vicissitudes that pass over us during a single human life and 
the impressions they leave behind them are subjects which if 
realized, would overwhelm the mind.' 7 

When however, by the vicissitudes of events in the times 
that are passing over us, the results are more favorable than 
we could have, anticipated, we are struck with a joyful 
surprise. 

THE RISE OE THE BETHEL ASSOCIATION. 

The Bethel Association as stated, organized in 1789; 
occupying the same ground that the Congaree formerly did, 
and indeed seems to have been the same people under a dif- 
ferent name. In 1803, three years after the formation of 
the Broad River, they appear to have enjoyed a great revival 
of religion. According to the statements of Elder Benedict 
the historian, 1,411 persons were baptized in the several 
churches of which it was then composed, making a total 
membership of 3,518 at that time; notwithstanding the 
Broad River and Saluda River bodies had been cut off from 
it. And we are informed by the same historian, that in the 
Spring of 1802, the powerful work which prevailed at that 
time throughout this country, began to be experienced by the 
churches in our own (Broad River) Association, and contin- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 5 

ned more or less for three successive years, in which the 
body received an addition by baptism of 1,296 members, 
which increased the whole membership of the churches in 
union to upwards of 2,000, which compared with the statis- 
tical reports of the body made at the session of 1801, of 959 
members, was truly a handsome increase for that space of 
time. 

THE GREAT REVIVAL. 

Between the years 1799 and 1803, there was in most 
parts of the country, particularly in the West, embracing 
especially what is now Kentucky and Tennessee, (with the 
Carolinas in a more limited degree) a remarkable outpour- 
ing of the Divine Spirit among the different denominations. 
Great multitudes became the subjects of religious concern 
and were hopefully converted to God. While religious frenzy 
or wild fanaticism, the out croppings of satanical influence 
and self delusion was alike prevalent among the masses of 
the people; then greatly demoralized by the war of the Rev- 
olution. In 1776 the declaration of Independence had been 
made by the Colonies, and thereby the yoke of British rule 
thrown off". The stru^ode of seven lono; vears for the mas- 
tery had been prosecuted with violence and bloodshed; the 
issue proving in the end a glorious success. Notwithstand- 
ing this our liberty and independence was a dear achievement. 
Everything excepting honor probably had been sacrificed on 
the altar of freedom. The masses who had borne the heat 
(yea and cold) burthens of the day, came out of the struggle 
in great destitution, and what is of more infinite consequence, 
so morally wrecked as to be little better than a new nation 
of infidels — so demoralizing had the war proven itself to be 
to the soldiery. Hence the great necessity for those, en- 
trusted with the publication of the everlasting gospel of peace 
and salvation to at once set about the work of evangelization. 
The heralds of the Cross of Christ seems to have taken in 
the situation, and went every where in the highways and 
hedges preaching the word, and the Lord added daily to the 
churches such as should be saved. So strange was the work- 
ing of the great revival of that day and time, that we, at the 
risk of being prolix and tedious, lay before our readers a few 



6 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

extracts from the historian Benedict, bearing on this subject. 
After speaking particularly of the beginning of it in Ken- 
tucky, the historian says: 

"It spread fast in different directions, and in a short time almost 
every part of the State was affected by its influence. It was com- 
puted that about ten thousand were baptized and added to the Bap- 
tist churches in the course of two or three years. This great work 
progressed among the Baptists in a much more regular manner than 
people abroad have generally supposed. They were indeed zealously 
affected, and much engaged. Many of their ministers baptized in a 
number of neighboring churches from two to four hundred each. 
And two of them baptized about five hundred each in the course 
of the work. But throughout the whole they preserved a good de- 
gree of decorum and order. Those camp meetings, those great pa- 
rades, and sacramental seasons, those extraordinary exercises of 
falling down, rolling, shouting, jerking, dancing, barking, &c, 
were but little known among the Baptists, nor encouraged by them. 
But generally speaking they were among the Presbyterians and 
Methodists, and in the end by a seceding party from them both, 
which denominated themselves Christians, but which were gener- 
ally distinguished by their opposers by the name of New Lights and 
Schismatics. These strange expressions of zeal, which have made 
so much noise abroad, came in at the close of the revival, and were 
in the judgment of many, the chaff of the work. There was a pre- 
cious ingathering of souls among the Presbyterians and Methodists, 
at which they rejoiced; but when the work arose to an enthusiastic 
height, many different opinions were expressed respecti ng it. The 
Methodists had no scruples of its being genuine; but among the 
Presbyterians some doubted, some opposed, but a considerable num- 
ber overleaped all the bounds of formality, fanned the flame as fire 
from heaven, bid up camp meetings, and sacramental seasons, and 
finally ran religious frenzy into its wildest shapes. * * * 

"In these meetings there assembled, in the opinion of spectators, 
from four to ten or twelve thousand, and at one of them eight hun- 
dred fell down under religious impressions. The falling down exer- 
cise needs no description, as it is presumed every reader will 
understand what is meant by it. There w T as also in these meetings, 
what was called the rolling exercise, which consisted in a person's 
being cast down in a violent manner, turned over swiftly like a log, 
&c. These rolling diciples often met with mud in their way, and 
got up from their devotions in a sorrowful plight. Dancing was a 
very common practice; many pleaded they could not help it, and 
others justified themselves from David's dancing before the ark, and 
other passages of Scripture. The most singular exercise of all was 
the jerks. 'Nothing in nature could better represent this strange 
and unaccountable operation, than for one to goad another, alter- 
nately on every side, with a piece of red-hot iron. The exercise 
commonly began in the head, which would fly backward and for- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 7 

ward, and from side to side, with a quick jolt, which the person 
would naturally labor to suppress, but in vain; and the more hestag- 
gered, the more rapidly his twitches increased. He must necessarily 
go as he was stimulated, whether with a violent dash on the ground 
and bounce from place to place like a foot ball, or hop round with 
head, limbs and trunk, twitching and jolting in every direction, as if 
they must inevitably fly asunder. And how such could escape 
without injury, was no small wonder to spectators. By this strange 
operation, the human frame was commonly so transformed and dis- 
figured, as to lose every trace of its natural appearance. Sometimes 
the head would be twitched right and left, to a half round, with 
such velocity that not a feature could be discovered, but the face ap- 
peared as much behind as before, and in the quick progressive jerk, 
it wold seem as if the person was transmuted into some other species 
of creature. Head dresses were of but little account among the 
female jerkers. Even handkerchiefs bound tight round the head 
would be flirted off almost with the first twitch, and the hair put 
into the utmost confusion, &c.' 

THE JERKS, A NERVOUS AFFECTION. 

"There was something altogether unaccountable in this jerking 
exercise. At first it was experienced only by those under religious 
concern, but in the end it became a nervous affection, which was 
sympathetically communicated from one to another. A Presbyterian 
minister heard that a congregation of his brethren, which he highly 
esteemed, had got to jerking. He went to persuade them out of the 
frantic exercise, but in conversing with them he got the jerks him- 
self. On his return home, his people assembled to hear the result of 
his visit. While he was describing how people appeared with the 
jerks, he was suddenly taken with them, and the whole assembly 
soon caught the distemper. 

"Wicked men were often taken with these strange exercises, 
and many would curse the jerks, while they were under their singu- 
lar operation. Some were taken at the tavern with a glass of liquor 
in their hands, which they would suddenly toss over their heads, or 
to a distant part of the room. Others were taken with them at the 
card table, and at other places of dissipation, and would, by a violent 
and unaffected jerk, throw a handful of cards all over the room. 

TRUTHFUL PERSONS SUSTAIN THESE STATEMENTS. 

"These accounts were taken from people of unquestionable ve- 
racity, and no doubt can be entertained of their correctness. These 
jerking exercises were rather a curse than a blessing. None were 
benefitted by them. They left sinners without reformation, and 
Christians without advantage. Some had periodical fits of them 
seven or eight years after they were first taken, and I know not as 
they have got over jerking yet. 

THE BARKING EXERCISE. 

"There was among these enthusiastic people one more exercise of 
a most degrading nature called the barks, which frequently accom- 
panied the jerks. Many persons of considerable distinction, in spite 



8 BROAD UI VER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

of nil the efforts of nature, as it was said, were forced to personate 
that animal, whose name, appropriated to a human creature, is 
counted the most vulgar stigma. These people would take the posi- 
tion of a canine beast, move about on all-fours, growl, snap the teeth, 
and bark in so personating a manner, as to set the eyes and ears of 
the spectators at variance. Some might be forced to these degrading 
exercises, but it is certain that many turned dogs in a voluntary 
manner. A minister in the lower part of Kentucky informed me 
that it was common to hear people barking like a flock of Spaniels 
on their way to meeting. There they would start up suddenly in a 
fit of barking, rush out, roam around, and in a short time come 
barking and foaming back. But enough has been said of these frantic 
scenes. The above accounts are not fabulous tales, but they are real 
and melancholy facts. In the upper counties of Kentucky where the 
revival was the greatest among the Baptist they were not at all 
affected with these delirious exercises. In the Green River 
country and in East Tennessee, they prevailed considerably amongst 
them. With the Methodists they prevailed generally. The Presby- 
terians were divided respecting them. Some opposed while others 
encouraged them. Some of these exercises seemed really forced 
upon the subjects of them by some invisible power, whether good or 
bad the reader must judge for himself; but dancing, barking, 
rolling, shouting, and soon, were undoubtedly, for the most part, 
w r orks of choice and imitation, which were hypocritically played off 
by a set of deluded, mistaken people. Where these fantastic exer- 
cises were opposed, they were the least prevalent. Those ministers 
who encouraged them, had enough of them to attend to. 

THIS FANATICISM DID NOT PREVAIL. 

"In West Tennessee the Baptists were not troubled with these 
works of delusion, but they prevailed here among the Presbyterians 
and Methodists, and some who came from other parts attempted to 
introduce them in the Baptist meetings. A Baptist Minister by the 
name of Mr. Connico, was once preaching where one of the jerkers 
began his motions. The preacher made a pause, and with a loud 
and solemn tone, said, 'In the name of the Lord, I command all un- 
welcome spirits to leave this place.' Thejerker immediately became 
still, and the report was spread abroad that Mr. Connico cast out 
devils. 

"On the whole it appears there was in 1799, and for two or three 
years succeeding that period, a precious work of grace. Towards 
the close of it a set of men arose who attempted to carry the work 
further than the Lord had done; and among them were exhibited 
those astonishing scenes of fanaticism we have described. Some of 
the promoters of these scenes became convinced of their delusion 
and returned to a sober course of piety; but many went off into 
errors of different kinds, and not a few of them became Shaking- 
Quakers." 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 9 

RESULTS OF THE PREVAILING FANATICISM. 

We notice in the minutes of the Association that from 
1803 to 1808 there were two hundred and eight} -live mem- 
bers excluded from the churches, owing, no doubt in a 
measure to the fanatical state of feeling which pervaded the 
whole country during that period. The circumstance, how- 
ever, demonstrated the fact that the chu relies used a com- 
mendable and praiseworthy degree of diligence in separating 
the chaff" from the wheat. 

INTEMPERANCE. 

About the time the Broad River Association was organ- 
ized in 1800 the demon of intemperance is said to have held 
high carnival throughout the entire bounds of the body and 
many ot the members of churches were claimed by him as 
special devotees, and it is only too true when we say they 
were often found worshipping at his filthy shrines. Our 
lathers had gallantly succeeded in removing from their 
shoulders the shackles of British tyranny; but now alas ! 
they had to encounter and grapple with a foe more vicious 
and demoralizing. The Broad River Association at its first 
session in 1801 at Green's Creek, commenced a defensive 
movement by requiring their venerable presiding officer 
Elder Thomas Burgess, to issue an address or Circular Letter 
to the several churches in union in the name of the Associa- 
tion warning them to be on the alert and to bew r are of the 
seducing and dangerous effects of this now popular demon. 
In that address the Moderator exhorts the brethren to ''keep 
their bodies in subjection, watch against unlawful desires, 
and oppose within themselves, all unlawful appetites and 
refrain from shameful and outbreaking practices, &c." We 
conclude this chapter now, and in the next will commence a 
brief notice of the acts and doings of the Association from 
the time of its organization to the formation of the King's 
Mountain body in 1851. 

2 



10 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

CHAPTER II. 

NOTICES OF THE ANNUAL SESSIONS TO 1851 INCLUSIVE — NO PUB- 
LISHED JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 

We stated in onr first chapter that the Broad River 
Baptist Association was organized in 1800. We got that 
information from Elder Benedict, the historian. We have 
failed in onr researches to find any record of the proceedings 
had at the convention that organized the Association, and 
consequently, we have to avail ourselves of tradition , which is 
very uncertain and unreliable testimony. Tradition, how- 
ever, has it, that the convention which organized the. Asso- 
ciation, was held at Sandy Run Church, in what is now 
Cleveland (formerly Rutherford) County, North Carolina. 
It seems to be admitted by all of the oldest people with whom 
we have conversed, that this is true. 

The fourteen churches named in the first chapter of 
this work, which Elder Benedict says were dismissed from 
the Bethel Association for the purpose of forming the Broad 
River body, were doubtless supplemented by two others, to 
wit : Silver Creek, of Burke County, and Caney River, then 
of Buncombe County, which w T ere probably new churches, 
and joined in the Associational organization; because at the 
session of 1801 at Green's Creek, they were constituent mem- 
bers of the body as the minutes show. We will then com- 
mence our notices with sixteen, instead of fourteen churches 
in the body at its first meeting in 1801. Having now a full 
and complete file of the minutes, we will for the benefit of 
the future historian, and the gratification of a large Baptist 
posterity, embrace the opportunity now offered us of ferret- 
ing out from old musty records now before us, some inci- 
dents connected with the early history of the churches 
forming the Broad River and King's Mountain Associations, 
which, we doubt not, will be interesting and profitable to the 
descendants of the pioneer fathers who guided the helm of 
religious affairs in the times that have passed away. There 
appears to have been at this period of the Association a lack 
of permanent stability on the part of the membership of the 
several churches. — Emigration seems to have been the order 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 11 

of the day and great numbers were removing bevond the 
mountains into the Western States and Territories. 

THE ASSOCIATION MET IN 1801 

At Green's Creek Church, Rutherford County, North 
Carolina, and organized for business by electing Elder 
Thomas Burgess Moderator, and Brother Wm. Lancaster, 
(a layman) Clerk. Elder Burgess was a member of Boiling 
Springs Church, * Spartanburg County, S. C. He, with 
Elders Joseph Camp, Ambrose Carlton, Perminter Morgan, 
John Blackwell, Joel Blackwell, Thomas Justice, Isaac Can- 
trell, David Forest, Abram Hargness, etc., appear to have 
been the most prominent ministers of that time. A number 
of others during this period and soon after, were raised up; 
most of whom continued to be successful laborers in the Lord's 
vineyard, to the end of their lives. While a corresponding 
number of impostors, claiming to be gospel ministers, were 
going to and fro, through the bounds of the Association, 
deceiving and being deceived, until through the vigilance of 
the brethren, they were advertised, exposed and put down 
from preaching. We intend to give brief notices in this 
work, of the Lord's ministers, and also those of Satan. Many 
of the good and meritorious, who had no motive, other than 
God's glory, and the good of souls, will be noticed somewhat 
in detail, as w 7 e may be able to collect historical materials. 
A fitting tribute of respect is due to those w T ho stood as sen- 
tinels on the watch tower and endured affliction while doino* 
the work of an Evangelist, and who otherwise made full 
proof of their ministry before a gainsaying world. All such 
having fought the good fight of faith and finished their course 
with joy are not only entitled to the crown of righteousness 
which the righteous Judge will certainly give them; but 
having proved ensamples to the flock under their watchcare, 
are also entitled to the plaudits of their brethren who yet 
survive them. "A good name is better than precious oint- 
ment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth." A 
few words must suffice in reference to the old pioneer min- 
isters of 1800. It does not appear from any record that we 

* Afterwards dissolved and revived again in 1834. 



12 RROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

can find that any of them were distinguished for literary ac- 
quirements; they however, were men of very respectable 
talents, who were remarkably zealous and successful in the 
most noble and benevolent employment on earth: the winning 
of souls to Christ. It may well be said that these pioneer 
and uneducated ministers must be studied and their striking 
modes and measures of success, as among the most useful of 
the past; their industry and courage in the work; their disin- 
terestedness and fidelity; their patience and perseverance; 
their hard lives that resulted in furnishing them with hard 
acquirements. How many of them could read men so as to 
shame and put to flight half the readers of books, when they 
became their opponents! How many attained a most touch- 
ing pathos; an irresistible eloquence; a surprising aptitude of 
selecting lwht words, that fell like mill-stones, as some one 
has said, true practical rhetoric. How many were good ex- 
positors and sound divines! We might in this connection 
mention some names that would be apppropriate, but with- 
hold them now in this place. 

There were enrolled at this session nineteen churches 
with an aggregate membership of nine hundred and lifty- 
nine, truly this was "the day of small things." 

The Association convened on Saturday and had the in- 
troductory sermon preached on Monday thereafter. This 
rule appears to have been observed through a series of twelve 
years or more 

QUERIES SENT UP FROM THE CHURCHES. 

The follollowing queries engaged the attention- of the 
body at this session : 

1. Can we hold a member in fellowship who has been 
convicted by the civil laws ,and received corporal punishment 
upon his denying the charge ? Answer : We cannot. 

2. Does the word of God give any toleration to men to 
put away their wives for any cause and marry others? 
(This query was postponed until the next session of the 
body.) 

REMARKS. 

It will be seen by the foregoing action of the body, that 
Associations are recognized by the churches as Advising 



BROAD RIVEB BAPTIST ASSOC! ATION. IS 

Councils, which can only reflect the light or assembled wish 
«loni of the several churches brought to a focus or advising 
point* In that sense they are supposed to be more capable 
of solving satisfactorily the many mooted or complicated ques- 
tions that spring up in the separate churches, which after 
being investigated by them first, and failing to arrive at satis- 
factory decisions, may be laid before the Association, merely- 
for advice. Under our system of church government, ait 
Association will in no case presume to arrogate to itself the 
right to settle church difficulties, only by giving advice when 
failed on. Nor would independent Baptist churches, ever 
yield submission to such an assumption, of power on the part 
of an Association, if they should at any time attempt to im- 
pose their edicts upon the churches any other way than in 
the shape of advice. Great respect, however, is generally 
shown to Associations, for advice given when solicited, and 
difficulties are often removed through the solicited agency of 
the Associations. These remarks are made more for the 
benefit of those who are not of our order, who often wish to 
know something of our system of church government, than 
for those who are Baptists, and know these things as well as 
we do. 

Our system is purely democratic, the ministry having no 
more voice or weight in the government of the church, than 
the laity. So far as the vote goes, they are at par — equal 
peers. And generally we think our system works well. The 
laity are generally jealous of their rights and liberties, wheth- 
er they be civil or religious, and therefore adhere rigidly to 
this system. While the ministry are equally regardful of 
'their privileges, and very seldom ever manifest a disposition 
"to lord it over the churches.'' It is therefore satisfactory 
to them also. 

Subjoined is the system of the Broad River Association : 

SYSTEM OF BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

As the communion of saints, so the communion of churches 
is a desirable blessing; to obtain and promote which, ought 
to be the study and endeavors of all the people of God. Al- 
though churches formed on the gospel plan are independent 
of each other with regard to power, yet not so strictly speak- 



U BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

ing with regard to communion. For as saints in general 
have an indispensable right to share in each other's gifts and 
graces, so have churches in this joint capacity. It is a gen- 
eral rule "to do good and communicate, forget not." Heb. xiih 
16, which is applicable in a practical manner to churches as 
such. In order more amply to obtain this blessing of com- 
munion, there ought to be a coalescing or uniting of several 
churches into one body, so far as their local situation and 
other circumstances will admit. But as it is impracticable 
for all the individual members, thus to associate and coalesce 
together, the churches should each, respectively, choose and 
delegate some of the most able, pious and judicious from 
among themselves, and particularly their ministers, to con- 
vene at such times and places as may be thought most con- 
ducive to the great end proposed, to act as their representa- 
tives in the general assembly. Their expenses ought to be 
defrayed by the churches who send them. 

These delegates, at their first meeting are, in a formal 
manner, to enter into covenant with each other as the repre- 
sentatives of the churches for the promoting of Christ's cause 
in general, and the interest of the churches they represent in 
particular. They should then form their plan of operations, 
and fix on the most proper place and time for meeting in 
future. 

Although such a conjunction of churches is not expressly 
commanded in Scripture, yet it receives sufficient counte- 
nance and authority from the light of nature and the general 
laws of society, but more especially from a precedent estab- 
lished by the Apostolical authority, recorded Acts xvthchap. 
An association thus formed is a reputable body, as it rep- 
resents not a city, country or nation, but the Churches of Jesus 
Christ. It is by no means to be deemed a superior judicature, 
vested with coercive power or authority over churches. It 
presumes not to impose its sentiments on its constituents, 
under pain of excommunication. Nor doth it anathematize 
those who do not implicitly submit to its determination, 
which would be nothing less than spiritual tyranny, and bet- 
ter comport with the arbitrary spirit of Popish councils than 
with that meekness which distinguishes the true disciples and 



B ROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 15 

humble followers of the lowly, yet adored Jesus. The apos- 
tles, elders, and brethren who composed the first christian 
councils, presumed not to impose their conclusions on the 
church in such a lordly manner, but preferred their determi- 
nations with this modest prologue. It seemed good to the 
Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden 
than these necessary things. Acts xv. 28. 

The Baptist Association arrogates no higher title than 
that of an Advisory Council; consistent with which epithet 
it ought ever to act, when it acts at all, without intruding on 
the rights of independent congregational churches, or usurp- 
ing authority over them. Matt, xxiii. 10, 12. Nevertheless 
the association hath a natural and inalienable right to judge 
for itself what churches shall be admitted into confederacy 
with it, and to withdraw from all acts of communion and 
fellowship with any church so admitted, provided such church 
obstinately persists in holding corrupt principles, or indulg- 
ing vicious practices, notwithstanding all proper endeavors 
have been used to reclaim it. (Eph. v. 7; Rev. xviii. 4.) An 
association when transacting business should proceed in the 
following manner: 

1st. Always begin and end each session by prayer. 

2d. Admit none as messengers, but such as come re- 
commended by letters, well authenticated from the churches 
to which they belong, or from whence they came. 

3d. When a church petitions by letter for admission, if 
approved of, the moderator is to inform the messengers that 
their request is granted, and desire them to take seats. 

4th. All who' have anything to offer, are to rise and ad- 
dress the moderator. 

5th. While one is speaking the rest are to be silent, yet 
all have an equal right to speak in turn. 

6th. No partiality or respect of persons is to be shown. 

7th. Every matter should be canvassed with gravity, 
modesty, and a sincere aim after truth. 

8th. When all are not agreed, the matter may be put 
to a vote, and a majorit} 7 determine. 

9th. All queries regularly sent by the churches, should 
be answered if possible. 



1(1 BRO A I) RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

10th. Any matter proposed relative to the general good 
of the churches, should be seriously attended to. 

11th. Every transaction should be conformable to the 
revealed will of God. 

12th. A Circular Letter should be written and sent to 
all the churches in confederation, containing such instruction, 
information and advice as may be thought most suitable, and 
with which should be sent the transactions of the associa- 
tion. 

The benefits arisingfrom an association and communion 
of churches are many ; in general, it tends to the maintaining 
of the truth, order and discipline of the Gospel 

1st. By it the churches may have such doubts as arise 
among them cleared, which will prevent disputes. 

2d. They will be furnished with salutary counsel. Prow, 
xl. 14. 

3d. The churches will be more closely united in promo- 
ting the cause and interest of Christ. 

4th. A member who is aggrieved through partiality, or 
any other wrongs received from the church, may have an 
opportunity of applying for redress. 

5th. A godly and sound ministry will be encouraged, 
while a ministry that is unsound and ungodly, will be dis- 
countenanced. 

6th. There will be a reciprocal communication of their 
gifts. Phil. iv. 15. 

7th. Ministers may alternately be sent out to preach the 
Gospel to them that are destitute. Gal. ii. 9. 

8th. A large party may draw off from the church by 
means of an intruding minister or otherwise ; and the ag- 
grieved may have no way of obtaining redress but from the 
association. 

9th. A church may become heretical, with which its 
godly members can no longer communicate, yet cannot ob- 
tain any relief but by the association. 

10th. Contentions may arise between sister churches 
which the association is most likely to remove. 

11th. The churches may have candidates for the minis- 
try properly tried by the association. These and other ad- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 17 

vantages arising from an association must induce every godly 
church to desire union with such a body. But should any 
stand oft", it would argue much self-sufficiency, and little or 
no desire after the unity of the Spirit or mutual edification. 

ABSTRACT OF PRINCIPJ-ES. 

1. We believe in one only true and living God, the Father, Son 
and Holy Ghost, three in one. 

2. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments 
are the word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice. 

3. We believe in the doctrine of original sin. 

4. We believe in man's impotency to recover himself from the 
fallen state he is in by nature, by his own free will and holiness. 

5. We believe in the doctrine of Election through sanctification 
of the Spirit and belief of the truth. 

6. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God, only 
by the merits of Jesus Christ. 

7. We believe the saints shall persevere in grace, and not finally 
fall away. 

8. We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordi- 
nances of Jesus Christ, and that true believers are the only proper 
subjects, and conscientiously do believe the true mode is immersion. 

9. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and general judg- 
ment. 

10. We believe that the joys of the righteous and the punishment 
of the wicked will be eternal. 

11. We believe that no minister has aright to the administra- 
tion of the ordinances, only such as has been called of God, as was 
Aaron, and regularly baptized and approved of by the Church, and 
come under the imposition of hands by the Presbytery. 

12. We believe that none but believers have a right to the ordi 
nances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. 

The session of 1802 was held with the church at Goucher 
Creek, Spartanburg county, S. C. Elder Perminter Morgan 
by appointment preached the introductory sermon. 

New Salem Church was admitted into the union, making 
20 in all. Membership 1480. 

INCREASE OF MEMBERS. 

477 members are reported by the several churches as 
having been baptized since the last session. 

REMARKS. 

Here we discover some of the fruits of the great revival 
mentioned in our first chapter, which is always pleasant to 
notice, but we find another item, calculated to mar our feel- 
ings, to-wit: 
3 



IS BIIOAD RIVER BArTIST ASSOCIATION. 

John Williams, a disorderly minister, is published in the 
minutes of this session, and the churches cautioned to beware 
of him. Then immediately afterward the following appears: 
"We recommend to the several churches in our union to 
call on ministerial helps hereafter before licensing young 
preachers.'- Doubtless "Williams was a reckless, fast bog, 
and palmed himself off on a weak, unsuspecting church w T hich 
was incapable of ascertaining his true spiritual status. The 
advice given by the Association then maybe considered very 
proper now, and should be appreciated and acted out by the 
churches. 

COMING MINISTERS. 

Elders Jacob Crocker, Joshua Richards and Jaroyal Bar- 
nett, afterwards conspicuous ministers, entered their first ap- 
pearance in the Association at this session. They will be 
noticed hereafter. Elder Joseph Camp was chosen Modera- 
tor and Win. Lancaster the Clerk. The postponed query of 
last session was again postponed, and Elder Joseph Camp was 
appointed to discuss the whole matter in a Circular Letter to 
the churches. 

ON THE DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF MATRIMONY. 

This theme, occupying the attention of the body so 
much, and the apparent difficulty to get a proper solution of 
the matter by the body, induces us to suppose that there was 
at that time great laxity in reference to the strict observance 
of matrimonial relations. We have learned from elderly 
persons that such was the case, and that society at that day 
and time w y as not very refined in many things. 

The session of 1803 was held at New Salem Church, 
Rutherford county, 1ST. C. The introductory sermon was de- 
livered before the body by Elder Thomas Burgess, of Boiling 
Springs. 

Seven new 7 churches w T ere admitted at this session, ma- 
king 27 in the union, with a total membership of 2084. There 
had been baptized since last session 686 persons. More of 
the proceeds of the great revival. 

Elder Perminter Morgan w T as elected Moderator, and Bro. 
Win. Lancaster Clerk. 



BROAD RrVEll BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 19 

TWO PROxMINENT MINISTERS. 

Elder Drury Dobbins, afterwards a very eonspicuous 
member of this body, made his first appearance in the Asso- 
ciation as an ordained! minister and delegate from Sandy 
Run Church. Berryman Hicks, as a lay delegate from State 
Line Church, was in this session. 

REMARKS. 

We suppose the present session of the Association, is 
the first one ever attended officially by Elder Drury Dobbins, 
as the minutes of the two previous sessions make no men- 
tion of him. Tradition has it that he was in th e organization 
of the Association, and his biographer, D. Scruggs, states as 
much, but if he was a member of the body that organized 
the Association, it is certainly strange he did not attend the 
next two sessions at Green Creek and Buck Creek. It is 
true he might have failed through indisposition or some other 
cause unknown to us. But we incline to date his Associa- 
tional career from this session. 

queries . 

The time of this session was partly taken up with the 
discussion of and answering of the following queries : 

1. "What shall be done with a member who refuses to 
fellowship his church for holding in fellowship a sister 
church for acting discretionally , contrary to his views in re- 
ceiving members ?" 

Answer — "We advise the church to use her vested 
rights agreeably to our constitution."' 

2. "Does the word of God tolerate a brother to marry 
his wife's sister's daughter after the decease of his wife ? " 

Amswer — "The word of God does not forbid it, but 
churches are advised for prudential reasons not to encourage 
the practice." 

We suppose the solutions of the foregoing queries were 
satisfactory to all the parties concerned, and amicably (?) 
received. 

The circular letter addressed to the churches this year, on 
the doctrines of grace was written by Elder Perminter 
Morgan, of French Broad. 



20 BUOAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

REMARKS. 

A brief but very comprehensive letter, breathing strong 
anti-arminian sentiments. 

The session of 1884 convened with Sandy Run Church, 
Rutherford (now Cleveland) county, North Carolina. 

Elder Ambrose Carlton delivered the sermon introduc- 
tory to the business of the session. 

Elder Perminter Morgan was re-elected Moderator and 
Bro. Wm. Lancaster, Clerk. 

Two more churches were admitted into the body making 
twenty-nine in all. Baptized since last session 133. Total 
membership, 2000. 

REMARKS. 

It appears from the Church letters that 224 members 
had been dismissed since the last meeting of the Association. 
This was of course by reason of the tide of emigration that 
was then carrying so many to the Western States. 

At this meeting there was little business transacted be- 
yond the usual routine of Associational work. The follow- 
ing queries were acted on, viz : 

1. "Will the Scriptures tolerate us to hold a member in fellow- 
ship who communes with Pe-dobaptists ? " "Answer. No." 

2. "Is it consistent with good order for a church to refuse dismis- 
sion to a member (minister) who lives within the bounds of another 
church of the same faith and order ? " Answer. "We do not think 
it is." - 

REMARKS. 

About this period there was doubtless a good deal of 
trouble in keeping matters straight in the churches, and in 
order to assist in an object so desirable, Elder Joseph Camp 
had been appointed to prepare a Circular Letter on Church 
Discipline, which was read and adopted by the body at this 
meeting. 

The session of 1805 was held at French Broad Church, 
in Buncombe county, 1ST. C. The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder Jacob Crocker. 

According to the returns there were 29 churches in 
union, as reported last year. Baptisms 6 ; dismissions 124. 
Total membership 1794, — showing a decrease in membership 
of 207 since last session. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 21 

MESSENGERS. 

At the last session correspondence was opened with the 
Bethel, Saluda River and Mountain Associations, which was 
reciprocated by an interchange of messengers at this session 
from those bodies. 

REMARKS. 

We would here remark that associational correspond- 
ence in. the way of interchange is very different now-a-days 
from what it was then. It was no unusual thing for three 
or four messengers, with a package of their minutes, to be 
received from the different Associations with whom we cor- 
responded, at every annual meeting. And truly such asso- 
ciational comity and friendly interchange should at all times 
be highly appreciated. It enables us to know the religious 
status of our brethren abroad, and through such brotherly 
interchange we obtained a knowledge of matters of ^reat 
importance and abiding interest to ourselves ,as christians. 
The times have changed greatly. We now scarcely ever re- 
alize our expectations and desires in regard to these things. 
We sometimes receive a messenger or two, but scarcely ever 
anything in the shape of documents, whereby we can learn 
anything of the progress of those we love. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Elder Ambrose Carlton, of Smyrna, was elected Mode- 
rator and Bro. Wm. Lancaster Clerk. The body being thus 
organized, the Rev. Mr. Newton, of the Presbyterian order, 
being present, was invited to a seat within the pale of the 
body, who politely and kindly accepted. 

QUERIES. 

The following queries which had been sent up by the 
churches were then taken up, discussed, and answered, viz : 

1. "What are the official duties of a deacon in their fullest ex- 
tent?" Answer — "We think a deacon's official duties apply to every 
thing in the shape of discipline in the house of God, except the ad- 
ministration of ordinances." 

2. "What measures should be taken with a member who has 
been ordained a deacon, and afterwards appears unfit to fill the place 
according to the Scriptural requirements?" Answer — "We think a 
deacon may forfeit his office to serve in the house of God by a disor- 
derly walk." 

3. "Does the Association hold with polygamy?" Answer— 
"No." 



22 BROAD IUVEK BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 

Remarks. — (Joe Smith's party had not then been organized. } 
, 4. "If a minister has been guilty of heinous and scandalous 1 
crimes and been expelled from the church, is it right to restore such 
an one to the ministry without the approbation of the sister churches 
in the Association ?" Answer — "No." 

The annual Circular Letter to the churches in union 
was prepared by Elder Ambrose Carlton, the Moderator of 
the body, on The Advocacy of the Son of God, — a document 
worthy of preservation. 

The session of 1806 was held at Cedar Spring Church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Elder Perminter Morgan, of French Broad. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The body was organized by the election of Elder Per- 
minter Morgan, .Moderator, and Bro. Wra, Lancaster, Clerk, 

MEMBERS DISMISSED. 

The reports from the churches show that 131 members 
were dismissed since the last meeting of the body. One new 
church admitted, making 30 in all. Total membership 1666. 
A decrease of 128 since last session. 

REMARKS. 

This year is to be remembered in our history for giving 
to us first as - an Association,' and afterwards to the churches 
of this State, and our neighboring State of Georgia the min- 
isterial labors of that excellent and successful preacher of the 
Gospel, Elder Humphrey Posey, of whom with others we 
shall speak in another place in this work. 

QUERIES. 

The following queries occupied the attention of the body 
at this session : 

1. "Is it expedient to retain in fellowship persons of color, though 
free, who shall intermarry with the whites?" Answer— "No." 

2. "What are the ordinances of a Gospel church that deacons are 
prohibited from acting in ?" The query was not answered by the 
body, but was adopted as a subject for the next year's Circular Letter 
to the churches. 

The Circular Letter prepared by Elder Perminter Mor- 
gan, on the Constitution of a Gospel Church and the door of ad- 
mission thereto, was read and adopted by the body. 

FAST DAY. 

On motion, the Association agreed to set apart the first 
day of January as a day of fasting and prayer, for a revival 
of religion. 



BROAD RIVEB BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 23 

REMARKS, 

It seems as if there was a great declension about this time 
hi matters of religion. The love of many had waxed cold. 

The session of 1807 met at Green's Creek Church, Ruth- 
erford county, N. C. The introductory sermon was deliv- 
ered by Elder Drury Dobbins, of Sandy Run. 

FORMATION OF FRENCH BROAD ASSOCIATION. 

Three churches were dismissed to unite with others in 
forming the French Broad Association. 

The body organized this year by electing Elder Jacob 
Crocker as Moderator and Bro. Wm. Lancaster as Clerk. 

From the reports of the churches there were 27 churches 
in union with a membership of 1645, after the dismissal of 
the churches first named, 

QUERY. 

The following query came up for consideration, viz : 
"Shall a church, aggrieved with a sister church, take her under 
dealing and be justified by the Word of God?" Answer— "We be- 
lieve that if one church grieves another, that the aggrieved might 
very properly labor with the aggressor, agreeably to the 18th chapter 
of Matthew. 77 

MINISTER EXCOMMUNICATED, 

We notice that James Blackwell, licensed to preach by 
this body, became disorderly and was excommunicated by 
the church and published in the minutes of this session. 

The Circular Letter to the churches, prepared by Elder 
Ambrose Carlton, on the duties of deacons, was read and 
adopted by the body, and is an able and judicious production. 

The formation of the French Broad Association took 
from the Broad River the venerable Perminter Morgan, who 
became a member of the new| body, and probably never 
crossed the mountains again to attend another session of his 
mother association. "We have met him since at Antioch, in 
the person of his son, Stephen Morgan, of "Big Ivy,' ? who 
too, since 1829, has also finished his course and passed away. 

The session of 1808 was again at Sandy Run Church, 
Rutherford county, K C. Elder Moses Holland, of the Sa- 
luda River body, preached the introductory sermon. Churches 
in union, 27; membership of the churches, 1311. A sad 
decrease of 334 members ! 



L>4 BRO A DIM VKR BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

REMARKS. 

It is obvious from reading the Minutes that the Broad 
River Association for a few years past was experiencing a 
sad state of declension — from what particular cause we are 
unable to say. It is hardly supposed that emigration was 
the cause of all of it. We are rather inclined to think the 
body had not been properly at work in the cause of the Mas- 
ter. We can discover among the constituency of the body 
nothing of a practical or religious nature, beyond a doting 
over questions, which engender little else than strife or vain 
glory. And here at this session we find more of the same 
sort. 

QUERIES. 

It is now wanted to know, 1st. "If a church has a right to deal 
with a sister church, agreeably to 18th Matthew, — in taking the third 
step, who must she tell it to?" The Association answers, by direct- 
ing them to tell it to the Association. We suppose that answer suf- 
ficed at least for a while. 

2. ''How shall we receive members into our churches agreeably 
to order from a church that has been dissolved or become extinct ?" 
Answer — "By convening a presbytery from other churches, who 
may grant to such members letters of dismission." 

3. "What shall be done with members who move out of the 
bounds of a church without obtaining letters of dismission from the 
same?" Answer — "We think that members who absent themselves 
willingly by removal or otherwise, should be excommunicated." 

4. "How far is an agreement in religious sentiments essential to 
christian union and communion?" Answer — "We agree to make 
this a subject for the next Circular Letter." 

We notice that Elder Ambrose Carlton was elected 
Moderator, and Bro. Wm. Lancaster, Clerk at this session. 

REMARKS. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Eider William King, of head of Enoree, on the Union and 
Utility of an Association. A brief but very explanatory and 
practical document. In the notice of Elder King the letter 
is given in full in this work. 

The session of 1809 was held at Buffalo Church, York 
county, S. C, We find from Minutes 27 churches in the 
union, with a membership of 1275, — a decrease of 36 since 
last year. 

The body was organized by electing Elder Jacob Crocker 
Moderator, and Bro. Wm. Lancaster, Clerk. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 25 

QUERIES. 

At this session there were more queries sent up than 
usual, which seems to have occupied the principal time of 

the Association. 

1. "What shall be required of a member or members who have 
been excommunicated from a church which has become extinct ? " 

Answer. "Make application to the nearest church for restoration." 

2. "Is it agreeable to Scripture that there should be any more 
Elders in a Church besides the pastor or minister and deacon ?" 

This query was postponed until the next session of the Associa- 
tion and the churches advised to give the matter the strictest attention 
in order that a Scriptural answer may be arrived at. 

3. "Is it agreeable to Scripture that marriages should be solemn- 
ized on the Sabbath day ?" 

Answer— "We do not find that it is directly forbidden in the 
word of God, yet we think the practice should not be encouraged, 
inasmuch as it is sometimes attended with bad consequences." 

4. "What is proper to be done when a woman relates an experi- 
ence of grace satisfactory to the church, and wishes to comply with 
her baptismal duties, but her husband refuses his assent?" 

Answer. "We recommend that such person wait patiently, ho- 
ping that God in His providence may make a way for her to come 
into the church by the husband's consent." 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
David Hoyle, of New Salem, which was adopted as an answer 
to the postponed query of last session. We will give this 
letter complete in the sketch of Elder David Hoyle in an- 
other part of this work, to which the reader is referred. 

The session of 1810 was held at Head of Tyger River 
Church, Greenville county, S. C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder George Brewton, of Friendship. 

Two new churches were admitted into the Confederacj 7 , 
making 9 in all. Membership 1259. Decrease 16. The 
body was organized by the election of Elder Drury Dobbins, 
of Sandy Run, as Moderator, and Bro. William Lancaster as 
Clerk. 

REMARKS. 

Elder Drury Dobbins at this session was a little over 
thirty-four years of age, had been preaching as an ordained 
minister near ten years, and w T as in the bloom and vigor of 
manhood. We can figure in our imagination the dignified 
appearance of the then presiding officeij, his sparkling, 
black, penetrating eyes, and bland, pleasant face, and exte- 
4 



26 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

rior generally of a prepossessing nature — contributing doubt- 
less more to tbe government of the body than did his knowl- 
edge of parliamentary tactics, although his rulings and 
decisions may have been faultless for aught we know, and 
Ave doubt not they were. His general outline or physique 
was a sufficient assurance to a close observer that he was no 
ordinary man, and his presence was felt and respected by all 
with whom he was associated. 

QUERIES. 

The postponed query from last session to this : 

1. "Is it agreeable to Scripture that there should be any more 
Elders in a church besides the pastor or minister and deacons ?" 

Answer. "That there are but two officers — ministers or elders 
and deacons." 

2. "Is the laying on of hands on lay members an ordinance of 
the Gospel? Secondly, if it is, who are the proper administrators 
of the ordinance?" 

Answer. "To the first part 'yes ;' to the second, the minister of 
the Gospel only." 

Union meetings were first introduced at this session, to 
arrange the sessions of the body. 

The session of 1811 was held at Concord Church, in 
Rutherford County, N. C. The number of churches repre- 
sented at this session was 26. Some had become extinct, 
and a committee was appointed to dismiss or letter the mem- 
bers to other churches. Total membership 1802; a decrease 
since last session of 77 members. 

The body was organized by the election of Jeroyal Bar- 
n-ett as Moderator, and Bro. Win. Lancaster as Clerk. 

QUERIES. 

The churches sent up the following queries, which occu- 
pied nearly all the time of the session, viz : 

1. "By what authority do Christian churches, without a Gospel 
minister, sit in council to determine or judge of the fitness of subjects 
for baptism ; or to whom does that prerogative properly belong ?" 

This query was postponed until the next session. 

2. "Is it agreeable to Gospel order for ministers of the Gospel to 
accept of secular offices, such as justices of the peace, etc?" 

Answer. "We do not find any precedent in the Scriptures to jus- 
tify it. We therefore recommend that ministers decline the exercise 
of such appointments." 

3. "What shall members do who petition a church for member- 
ship, when the church to which they formerly belonged has been 
disbanded or become extinct?" 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 27 

Answer. "Such members should first apply to a presbytery for 
letters of dismission, before asking for admission into any other 
church." 

4. '"Is it right to hold members in fellowship who belong to and 
frequent Masonic Lodges?" 

Answer. "No." 

REMARKS. 

We are not aware of the extent and nature of the dis- 
cussion had on this last mentioned query, as there was no 
report made of it, but we suppose the debate took a pretty 
wide range, and for aught we know was a little tinctured 
with acrimony. Bro. William Lancaster, of Cedar Springs 
Church, was a Free Mason, and had been the Clerk of the 
Association from the time of its organization up to the pres- 
ent session, and, withal, was a very good and useful man, 
both to the Church and the State. A New England preju- 
dice probably had been introduced into the South by minis- 
ters and newspapers from that section of the country against 
the time-honored institution of Masonry, which prejudice 
had already been developing its mischievous consequences 
on a goodly number of Pedo-Baptist churches, and a few 
Baptist churches were also disturbed thereby. We are nat- 
urally led to inquire, if the Broad River brethren had just 
made the discovery that Bro. Lancaster was a Free Mason? 
He had been their clerk for eleven years, and not a word ( 
was said about the matter until now this query, as a fire- 
brand is brought before the body to evolve a vote of censure 
against him, which, of course, was so considered by him 
(Lancaster;) for notwithstanding he continued fully in the 
confidence of his church, and was for many years thereafter 
(until the session of 1823) a representative of Cedar Springs 
Church, yet he never served again as clerk of the body. 

Elder M. C. Barnett, who wrote a synoptical history of 
the Broad River Association, speaking of this matter, says : 
"This was one of those officious meddlings of Associations with 
subjects that do not belong to them, and which, let the decision be 
any way it will, is impracticable to be carried out. For example, 
William Lancaster, who had been the clerk of the Association for 
ten years at least, successively, was a member of the fraternity of 
Free Masons ; and I have it from tradition (in the absence of Min- 
utes) that he was continued clerk of the Association for/several years 
after this. [In this Elder Barnett was misinformed.] He was an 



28 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

active deacon in the Cedar Springs Church to the day of his death 
which occurred in 1824. That church would have been ashamed to' 
have thought of excluding the best deacon it had only because he 
was a Free Mason, and to carry out the advice of the Association." 

We concur fully with Elder Barnett's remarks as to the 
policy of the matter, but he was certainly mistaken in saying 
that Bro. Lancaster served as clerk any more after the action 
taken on the query. The Minutes show that he served from 
the session of 1801 (and probably from the organization of 
the Association in 1800, for there was no record kept) until 
this very year 1811, when the query was discussed and an- 
swered. He never was clerk of the body afterwards. The 
Minutes show that Elder Berry man Hicks succeeded him in 
the clerkship in 1812. 

QUERY. 

"Is it right for any member of our union of churches to solemn- 
ize the rites of matrimony between parties when either of them have 
a living husband or wife?" 

Answer. "No." 

FAST DAY. 

The body agrees to set apart Easter Sunday next as a 
clay of fasting and prayer, to implore the mercy and blessings 
of the Lord on our nation, and for the visitation of His gra- 
cious Spirit among the several churches of our union. 

BAPTIST HISTORY. 

An item approbatory of the undertaking of Elder David 
Benedict, of Rhode Island, to write and publish a History of 
the Baptists of America, was adopted at this session. 

The session of 1812 was held at Friendship Church, in 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder Zachariah Blackvvell, of State Line. 
There were 25 churches in union; total membership 1272. 
An increase since the last session of 150 members. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The body was organized by the election of Elder George 
Brewton as Moderator, and Elder Berryman Hicks as Clerk. 

PETITION TO RECONSIDER. 

A petition was sent up asking for a reconsideration of 
the queries of 1807-'08, and also of the answer, "agreeable 
to the 18th Matthew," and compare them with the articles 
or" rules of the Association where it reads: "We claim no 



BROAD RIVEB BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 29 

higher power than an advisory council." The body decided 
by a vote that the former answer shall stand, and that the 
Association meant nothing more than to withdraw from a 
disorderly church. 

QUERIES. 

The following queries were sent up from the churches 
and answered by the body, as follows : 

1. '-What is a Church?" 

Answer. "We believe a Gospel church consists of an indefinite 
number of saints joined together by consent, yet we think not com- 
plete without a minister." 

■2. "How shall a minister be silenced in his ministerial office by 
the church ?" 

Answer. "By laying him under the censure of the church, and 
then call in ministerial helps to aid in deposing him." 

3. "Is it right, according to the Word of God, to constitute 
churches where there is no minister belonging to the members pro" 
posed to be constituted ?" 

Answer. "Yes." 

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. 

Two im posters by the names of Ledford Paine and 
Samuel T. Council, claiming to be Baptist preachers in order, 
appear advertised in the Minutes of this session as being in 
disorder. 

The session of 1813 was held at Smyrna church, Burke 
county, N". 0. Elder Drury Dobbins preached the introduc- 
tory sermon. There were in union 25 churches ; total mem- 
bership 1624. 

REMARKS. 

The churches during the past year had enjoyed a pre- 
cious revival, and 219 members were added by baptism, 
which revival was confined mostly to the churches of Buffalo, 
Sandy Run and Providence. Elder Drury Dobbins and Ber- 
ry man Hicks (who labored together a great deal) held a series 
of meetings at these churches, aided by other ministers who 
preached the gospel faithfully to the large congregations that 
attended, and the result was an extraordinary outpouring of 
God's Spirit and the ingathering, as above mentioned. 

Elder Berryman Hicks was at that time the eloquent 
"Apollos" of the Broad River Association. His manner of 
preaching was generally of an exhortatory character especially 
in the peroration of his sermons, and he did not often fail to 



ZO BROA D RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

make a good impression on his hearers. Elder Drury Dob- 
bins' manner was doctrinal and expository ; apparently he 
was specially called to feed the flock of Christ. While en- 
gaged in this his true line of service, no one was ever more 
faithful to his duties. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The Association was organized by the election of Elder 
Drury Dobbins as Moderator and Elder Berryman Hicks as 
Clerk, when the following 

QUERIES, 

which had been sent up for solution from the churches, w T ere 
taken up, viz : 

1. "Bo the Scriptures mention the gifts of doctrine and exhorta- 
tion as separate?" 

Answer. "Yes. 77 

2. "When God, in His wisdom, has thought proper to bestow 
these gifts separately, ought they not to be separately used in the 
Church? 77 

Answer. "Yes, 7r 

3. "Are those who profess the gift of exhortation only, qualified 
to exercise the ministerial function fully? 77 

Answer. "No. 77 

4. "Is it good order for a church to call a minister, or supply from 
another church, when they have an ordained minister in said 
church? 77 

Answer. "It may be order, but great caution ought to be used in 
the matter. 77 

BAPTIST GENERAL MEETING. 

At this session it is recorded that Elder Drury Dobbins 
and Ambrose Carlton were appointed messengers to bear 
dispatches from this body to the "Baptist General Meeting of 
correspondence in North Carolina,' 7 

REMARKS. 

We are not informed fully as to the nature of that 
"General Meeting." It may have been a temporary organi- 
zation, similar in all respects to that mentioned by Elder 
Benedict, styled the "General Committee." Which, how- 
ever, seems to have been disannulled, this institution was 
established in 1784 and continued only to 1799. He says it 
was composed of delegates from all the Associations which 
could with convenience, or was disposed to send messengers 
to it. But many of the Virginia Baptists were suspicious 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 31 

that this body would in time grow into something like a 
Synod or Dictating Council and for that reason stood aloof 
from it for a time, and, indeed those who sanctioned it and 
assisted in promoting its measures, were so much afraid of 
horns, that they gave it scarcely any head or power. But with 
all its restrictions, most of which were probably necessary 
in order to secure the independency of the numerous churches 
over whose affairs it presided; it was a very useful body, and 
was instrumental in tearing off, one after another, the civil 
and ecclesiastical shackles, by which the Baptist and other 
dissenters from the Episcopal establishment in Virginia had 
been sorely galled, until an entire and equal freedom was by 
law established. 

We do not learn from the minutes, (which are in some 
particulars very vague) anything more about the matter. 
The messengers either failed to attend or neglected the 
making of a report to the next session of the body. 

MORE WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. 

A committee was appointed on Corresponding Minutes : 
who reported "Samuel Whitney, W. Davis, Jesse Hazael, 
John McCreary, W. Thomas, John Williams and Daniel 
Brown professing to be Baptist preachers, who were vile im- 
postors." 

REMARKS. 

Here we find a list of seven vile impostors in the char- 
acter of ministers of the Gospel of Christ — false teachers, 
wolves in sheep's clothing who, by deceitful words, were en- 
deavoring to ingratiate themselves into the favor and good 
graces of the unsuspecting and simple-minded people where 
they operated, for the nefarious purposes of gratifying their 
devilish ambition and wicked lusts, under the hallowed cloak 
of religion. 

The following record appears on the Minutes of this 
session. Elder Julius Holland, of Long Creek Church, died 
since the last session of this body. "He was a pious minis- 
ter of the Gospel, an ornament to society and a friend to the 
poor," says the record. The Circular Letter of this year 
was prepared by Elder George Brewton, on The Baneful Ef- 
fects of Covetousness, which we doubt not was very rife among 
the churches and people generally about that time. 



32 BRO A D RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The session of 1814 met this year at Goucher Creek 
Church, Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory ser- 
mon was delivered by Elder Ambrose Carlton, of Smyrna. 

By reason of the loss of a portion of the Minutes of this 
year, we are unable to give the church statistics. 

The body was organized by the election of Elder Drury 
Dobbins as Moderator and Elder Wm. King as Clerk. 

Elder Wm. King, under an appointment of last session, 
prepared the Circular Letter to the churches, on The Gifts 
and Qualifications of a Gospel minister. We are unable to give 
anything more of the doings of the session because of the 
mutilation of our copy of the Minutes. 

The session of 1815 was held at Buffalo Church, York 
County, S. C. Elder Nathaniel Jackson, of head of Tyger 
River Church, delivered the introductory sermon. Antioch 
and Union, new churches, were admitted at this session. 
The body then consisted of 26 churches, with a total mem- 
bership of 1519. 

The body organized by electing Elder Ambrose Carlton 
as Moderator and Elder Berryman Hicks as Clerk. 

BAPTIST BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

A committee of five, consisting of Ambrose Carlton, 
Wm. King, Drury Dobbins, Wm. Lancaster, and Berryman 
Hicks was appointed to examine the first annual report of 
the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions sitting at Philadel- 
phia, who rported: "We recommend your charitable aide 
to the Missionary Society for tbe laudable purpose of pro- 
mulgating the gospel among the poor heathens." 

In order more properly to co-operate with the Board in 
missionary operations; Brother Wm. Lancaster was appointed 
Associational Secretary. 

REMARKS. 

A strong opposition or prejudice was directly hatched 
up against missionary operations, within the bounds of the 
Association and consequently very little was ever accom- 
plished through this instrumentality. 

QUERY. t 

The following query was sent up for solution, viz : 
"Is it agreeable to good order for a deacon to be dismissed from 
office at his own request ? and if so, by what authority ? " 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 33 

Answer. We think a church should be exceedingly cautious 
how she dismisses a deacon from office, for we do not think it good 
order to dismiss one at his own request, unless the church shall think 
he does not till the office properly, and in case of such dismission, 
the church acting in the case is the proper authority." 
ELDER GEORGE BREWTON. 

The demise of Elder George Brewton of Friendship 
church is noticed in the minutes of this session. (See bio- 
graphical notice in this work.) 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Ambrose Carlton on " The Scriptural reasons why the 
Baptists do not commune with other denominations of Christians." 
A most excellent letter. 

The session of 1816 was held at Sandy Run Church, 
Rutherford County, iT. C, Elder Hosea Holcombe, of Union 
church, had been appointed to preach the introductory ser- 
mon, but gave way to Elder Luther Rice, agent of the For- 
eign Mission Board, who being present preached a missionary 
sermon on the occasion, which gave general satisfaction, and 
a public collection was taken up forthe objects of the Board. 

CHURCHES ADMIXED. 

Two churches Ruhamah and Zion were admitted into 
the confederacy of churches at this session, making 28 in all, 
with a total membership of 1503 in fellowship. 

The following queries had been sent up from the. churches, 
viz : 

1. "Is it good order for a church to dissolve herself, when said 
church has a pastor with her ? If not how shall she proceed agreea- 
bly to Scripture?" 

Answer. "Although w r e cannot cite such to any Scripture, we 
advise them to apply to the churches for helps and thereby form a 
presbytery, to dismiss in order, both minister and members." 

2. "Would it be good order to commune with a person after re- 
ceiving such into our union upon a profession of our faith previous 
to their being baptized ? " 

Anser. " No. " 

3. "Is it agreeable to the gospel for Baptists to call themselves 
1 Calvinists, 1 and the doctrines of grace ' Calvinism f " 

Answer. "We believe John Calvin preached more sound doc- 
trine than any other noted reformer, yet we think it is contrary to 
the gospel, for Baptists to call themselves and the doctrines of grace 
by such titles." 

The Circular Letter of this session was written by Elder 

Drury Dobbins on The Union Betwixt Christ and his Church. 

5 



34 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

And is a very concise and appropriate document which 
should be reproduced. 

Elders Drury Dobbins presided as Moderator-and Berry- 
man Hicks as Clerk of this session. 

REMARKS. 

AVe are informed that about this time the doctrines of 
particular election, and the saints final perseverance in grace, 
on the part of Baptists: while general redemption and possi- 
ble apostasy on the part of our Methodist friends, were the 
great themes of religious discussion. Many sermons and es- 
says on these novel points found their way into printed 
pamphlets and other works. And the two parties still cheer- 
ish their peculiar tenets as though nothing had been said 
or written. 

"He that complains against his will, 
Is of his own opinion still. " 

What a great pity it is, that so many sects or parties, 
sprang up out of the reformation of popery ! Some people 
consider this a great blessing because, as they allege it will 
tend greatly to the evangelization of the world: it being im- 
possible for all to see alike and entertain the same views in 
reference to religious matters. That some can be followers of 
Paul, others of Apollosand Cephas, etc, and thereby a greater 
number be gathered into the general church of the Redeemer. 

Oar doctrine is, that we should all be followers of Christ. 
that Paul, Apollos and Cephas — Calvin, Luther and Me- 
lancthon, etc., are only ministers of His and consequently we 
should ignore the names of Calvinists, Lutheran, Presby- 
terian, Methodist, etc., and cleave only to that of Christian 
just as the disciples was first called at Antioch, by which, 
however we do not mean the followers of Alexander Camp- 
bell, or any other would be leaders of party sects. If it is 
best to be organized into petty factions, one calling himself a 
follower of Paul and another of Apollos, why did Christ pray 
to his Father that we all might be one: "as thou Father art 
in me and I in thee ? " 

A SUPERANNUATED MINISTER. 

We notice that Elder Ambrose Carlton (an aged minis- 
ter) took a' final leave of the Association, to meet the body 
no more in time. How sad it makes us feel ! and vet how 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 35 

pleasant to think and ponder over the aproaelnng period of 
our departure from a world of toil and trouble to that rich 
inheritance at God's right hand laid up for the finally faith- 
ful. We made the acquaintance several years ago with the 
aged son of this good man, Thomas Carlton, (also a minister 
and worthy member of the Catawba River Association) of 
the old pioneer of the Broad River Association who so af- 
fectionately bade his brethren a final farewell in time. 

The session of 1817 was held at Friendship church, 

Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 

delivered by Elder Drury Dobbins. There was 27 churches 

• in union with a membership of 1442. Elders Drury Dobbins 

was chosen Moderator, and Berry man Hicks Clerk. 

QUERY. 

The church at Union "wishes to know whether the Association 
approbates their conduct in receiving members from a society of 
Methodists who have been baptized by immersion and account the 
same valid ? " 

Answer. "We think that to receive members from other socie- 
ties as therein described does not comport with the simplicity of the 
gospel." 

"But as the subject is delicate and needs considerable investiga- 
tion, we agree to make it the subject of our next Circular Letter." 

THE CONVERSION OF THE HEATHEN. 

The following record is gleaned from the Minutes of 
this session, viz : 

"While reflecting on the pleasing and important theme — the 
salvation of the heathen, with the increase of missionaries and the 
translation of the Scriptures into different languages — we heartily 
recommend our churches to be more liberal in supporting this laud- 
able undertaking, remembering, "he that giveth to the poor, lends 
to the Lord, and He will repay him." 

After the adoption of the foregoing item, a good collec- 
tion was taken up for missionary purposes. 

EEMARKS. 

AVe mention this merely to' show that the efforts made 
in the Broad Eiver Association by Elder Luther Rice, the 
pioneer agent of Foreign Missions, was not altogether in 
vain. 

The Circular Letter of this year, prepared by Elder 
Hosea Holcombe, of Union church, on the Declension of Re- 
ligion and the Causes thereof, is a document that should be put 
into the hands of every member of Christ's Church. 



36 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The session of 1818 was held at Providence Church, in 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Elder Berryman Hicks, of State Line. 

There appears enrolled 28 churches, with a total mem- 
bership of 1563. The body organized with Elders JDrury 
Dobbins as Moderator and Berryman Hicks as Clerk. 

QUERIES. 

The following queries came up for discussion and to be 
answered : 

1. "What shall a church do with a member that has been excom- 
municated for the sin of adultery, said person taking a woman into 
the house with him and continuing in that sinful way, as the church 
has reasons for believing, for perhaps twenty years, until the death 
of his wife : he then comes forward to the church in a few months 
afterward and states he has married the woman and repented of his 
sin, and desires again to unite himself with the church ?" 

Answer. "If the church can believe such a person a christian, 
and he has made such acknowledgments as the Scriptures require, 
then receive him ; if not, reject him." 

2. "A number of persons, say sixteen, were dismissed twelve 
years past to form a new church, and have not yet been constituted, 
and nearly all who were first dismissed are removed away — Is it 
right for any adjacent church to dismiss members to join them for 
any purpose?" Answer — "No." 

PETITION TO DISTRICT THE ASSOCIATION. 

Green River and Head of Tyger River churches sent 
petitions to the Association, praying a division of the body 
into four sections for the purpose of regulating the sections, 
— each section alternately to have the session whenever the 
time arrived, and the churches within each section to decide 
among themselves which particular church should have the 
session. 

REMARKS. 

The petition was granted, and the rule as then agreed 
on has been continued, we believe, ever since. 

AN IMPOSTOR. 

Michael Austin, an impostor, professing to be a Baptist 
preacher, is advertised in the Minutes of this session. 

The Circular Letter to the churches for this year was 
prepared by Elder Wm. King, of Head of Enoree church, 
on the subject of a Baptist Church receiving members who were 
baptized by Immersion in the Methodist Society. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 37 

REMARKS. 

The writer takes the ground that, as certain Priests an- 
ciently failed to show their genealogy among the lawful 
Priests and were rejected, in like manner should all admin- 
istrators of the ordinance of baptism be rejected, who fail to 
show their own baptism according to the Gospel by a minis- 
ter who has himself been baptized in a regular line from the 
Apostles down to the present time. 

The session of 1819 was held at Head of Tyger River 
church, Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory ser- 
mon was delivered by Elder Jacob Crocker, of Pacolet 
church. There appear thirty churches enrolled. Baptized 
since last session, 234. Total number of members in the 
body, 1716. 

The Association was organized by the election of Elders 
Jacob Crocker as Moderator and Berryman Hicks as Clerk. 

QUERIES. 

The following queries were sent from the churches to be 
answered : 

1. "Is it agreeable to Scripture for churches to ordain their own 
deacons?" 

Answer. -'We think it is, provided they have two or more or- 
dained ministers." 

2. "Is it consistent with the Gospel for deacons to assist in the 
ordination of deacons?" 

Answer. "We think it is not inconsistent that they should assist 
the ministers in that work." 

MISSIONARY OPERATIONS. 

At this session there was a public collection taken up 
for missionary purposes, and Elder Drury Dobbins was ap- 
pointed by the body to preach a missionary sermon before 
the body at its next meeting, for the furtherance of mission- 
ary objects. The Circular Letter of this year was borrowed 
from the old Kehukee Association, of North Carolina, on 
the subject of Good Works. 

The session of 1820 conveued at Mountain Creek 
church, Rutherford county, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder Thos. Bomar, of Bethlehem church. 

CHURCHES ADMITTED. 

Four new churches, viz : New Prospect, Washington, 
Cross Roads and Macedonia were admitted into the Confed- 
eracy. 



38 B KG A f ) KI VER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

There were then 35 churches enrolled. Baptized since 
the last meeting, 871, — making a total membership of 2165. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Elders Thomas Bomar was chosen Moderator and Ber- 
ryman Hicks as Clerk. 

queries.. 
The following queries were taken up for consideration : 

1. ' 'How shall a church proceed with a member in slavery whose 
companion was taken away out of the country and sold, and the 
member left has married another?" 

Answer. "Agreeably to the Scriptures, the church could not hold 
such an one in fellowship." 

2. "Is it agreeable to Scripture to receive a woman into fellow- 
ship that was married to an emigrant from Europe who, after a few 
months, separated from her and embarked for his native country, 
she remaining for several years destitute, married to another man?"' 

Answer. "No." 
Elder Thomas Bomar was appointed to preach the mis- 
sionary sermon next year, after which the practice was drop- 
ped, so far as we can see. 

REMARKS. 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
Berryman Hieks, on the Foundation on which christians can be 
Agreed. The letter is considered a good one, and is repub- 
lished in this work, with the biographical notice of Elder 
Hicks. , 

The session of 1821 was held at Zion church, Ruther- 
ford (now Cleveland) county, ~N. C. The introductory ser- 
mon was delivered by Elder Sam'l Gibson, of Head of Enoree 
church, Greenville county, 8. C. There were two new 
churches (Bethesda and Head of Enoree) admitted at this 
session, making 37 in all, with a membership of 2211, —a 
handsome increase. Elders Drury Dobbins was elected 
as Moderator and Berryman Hicks as Clerk. 

BAPTIST BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

At this nieeting of the body, Bro. William Lancaster, 
the Corresponding Secretary, was called on for a report from 
the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, who presented a let- 
ter which was at first distressing to us, but in the latter part 
of it a hope was cherished that God will yet bless the poor 
heathen with saving grace. A small collection was taken 
up, but we do not find that the Association ever co-operated 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. S9 

with the board any longer. The Minutes are so meagre and 
vague that we are unable to know from them as to what was 
the matter. The lack of more thorough organization, and 
probably the heavy expense of agencies connected with 
-close-fisted ness on the part of the church membership, doubt- 
less served greatly to give a quietus to the matter at that 
time. 

'The Circular Letter of this year was written by Elder 
Drury Dobbins, on the Important Necessity of the Operation of 
the Spirit of God upon the SouL 

CORRESPONDING MESSENGERS. 

We notice at this session, as at nearly all of the meet- 
ings of the Broad River Association, a pleasant and profita- 
ble interchange ot associational correspondence. We find 
from the Bethel, L. C. Thurber ; from French Broad, William 
Kimsey, &c How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell togeth- 
er iu unity, and never forsake the very commendable prac- 
tice of visiting each other, to jointly labor in building up the 
waste places of Ziom 

The session of 1822 was held at Mount Zion church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. Elder Drury Dobbins preached 
the introductory sermon from Chronicles, vi. 8-9. 

Camp's Creek church was addmitted into the union, 
making 38 in all, Total number of members in the several 
churches 2139. 

Elders Drury Dobbins and Berryman Hicks were re- 
elected to their places as Moderator and Clerk. 

QUERY. 
The following query came before the Association from Green 
River church: "Would it not be most agreeable with gospel order 
to commuoeor take the Lord's supper at the Associational meetings?" 
Answer. "We think it best not to adopt such a rule at this time." 
The body opened correspondence with the Charleston 
Association and dropped the correspondence with the Bap- 
tist Board of Foreign Missions. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Samuel Gibson, onthe grand utility of faith to the believing 
mind. In the biographical notice of Elder Gibson we give 
this letter entire. 

The session of 1823, the Association met at Reedy River 



40 BROA D RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

church, Greenville county, S. C. Elder Thomas Bomar 
preached the introductory sermon agreeably to appointment. 

There were 37 churches in union with a membership of 
2093. The body organized by electing Elder Drury Dobbins 
Moderator and Brother James Whitten, of Cross Koads, 
Clerk. 

Queries. — The following queries came up for discussion : 

1. "What shall be done with a minister who has been excom- 
municated from the privileges of the church, and refuses to give up 
his credentials to a member of that church when required in the 
name and by the authority of said church to do so?" 

Answer. "After the excommunication ofa minister from a church 
that church has no power over him, and therefore has no authority 
whatever to demand his credentials. But if the excommunicated 
minister should under the sanction of his papers, impose upon the 
community, he should be reported to the Association, which body 
would of course make proper mention ot him in its minutes." 

2. "Ought a church of Christ to hold a member in fellowship 
who believes in what is generally called witchcraft,, or practices any 
so-called charm, or other idle means to remove what they call witch 
craft?" Answer. "No." 

Remarks. — It seems to have been a very common prac- 
tice of our ancient brethren of the different churches compos- 
ing the Broad River Association, to test the ability and skill of 
the body, then considered the assembled wisdom of the 
churches, and acting for them as an Advisory Council. They 
would therefore, at nearly every session, have a series of 
queries involving points of discipline, and sometimes other 
matters ofa different or doubtful nature before the body for 
discussion and adjudication. And we doubt not that some 
of our most level headed old brethren have been taken on 
surprise, and for the want of time to fully investigate, have 
very willingly seconded a motion to postpone the questions at 
issue until a subsequent meeting of the Association. We 
find at any rate, that course was considerably practiced, and 
indeed it was necessary often to do so, in order to get a 
proper solution of the queries. We are sometimes amused 
at the simple nature of some of the queries brought up, but 
w T hen we take into consideration the fact, that many of our 
old brethren were not much conversant with Encyclopedias 
or Bible Dictionaries, or such works on discipline as we now 
have for perusal we should not. We cannot do otherwise 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 41 

than commend their vigilance and great watchfulness over 
heretical points of doctrine and mooted questions of discip- 
line in which it seems they were ever faithful to their trusts. 
And the discussions they were instrumental in getting up 
before the Associations, were not only interesting and profit- 
able to them as members of churches, but were of untold 
worth to the rising ministry, and to the denomination gen- 
erally. We take pleasure therefore in collating all the va- 
rious queries, although quaint and unvarnished in diction, 
that we can find recorded in the minutes, and give them a 
welcome place in our work. 

The Circular Letter was prepared by Elder Jacob 
Crocker on the manner in which the church of Christ should pro- 
ceed in calling a pastor. 

The session of 1824 met at Head of First Broad River 
church, Rutherford county, N. C. The introductory ser- 
mon was delivered by Elder Fields Bradshaw, of Mount Ru- 
hamah. State Line church was admitted, making a union 
of 38 churches. Total membership of the churches, 2236. 

Elders Drury Dobbins was chosen Moderator and Ber- 
ryman Hicks, Clerk. 

Query. — A query from Cedar Springs was taken up, 
viz ; 

"Is it consistent with the Gospel to preach missionary sermons 
at the Association on Sunday, for the purpose of taking up collec- 
tions of money ?" 

Answer. — (This body evasively answers.) "The Association has 
ceased to be a Missionary Society. We will therefore no longer take 
up public collections for that object on Sundays." 

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE CONVENTION. 

This body having been solicited to join the South Car- 
olina State Convention, postponed the matter for considera- 
tion until the present session, and now by a vote of the body 
refuses to do. 

Remarks. — There seems to have been some anti-mis- 
sionary leaven at work among the churches of this Associa- 
tion about this period of its history. 

FAST DAY. 

After transacting the usual routine of business, the body 
set apart the 2d Wednesday ot November as a day of humil- 
iation, fasting and praver for God's blessings on the churches, 
6 



42 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

and the success of Bis Gospel amongst the unconverted. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Thomas Boniar, of Bethlehem, on Christian Liberty, 
and is given in full in this work in the notice of Elder Bomar. 
demise: of deacons. 

Deacons Wm. Lancaster, of Cedar Springs church, and 
William Davidson, of Buffalo church, are noticed in the 
Minutes as having died within the past associational year. 
It is said, "they were worthy, pious brethren, gone to join 
the general assembly or association of glorified souls, where 
congregations ne'er break up and Sabbaths have no end." 

Remarks. — Bro. "William Lancaster, the Free Mason, 
although he ceased to act as Clerk of the Association in 1811, 
was continued as a delegate from the Cedar Springs church 
up to the session of 1823, and died some time between that 
and the present session of 1824. He died no doubt as he 
had lived — in the fear and favor of his Maker, and in the 
esteem of his fellow-men. 

The session of 1825 convened at Buffalo church, York 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by 
Elder Joel Black well, of Green River Church. 

Ebenezer church was admitted into the confederacy, 
making 39 in all, the membership of which is 2248. 

Elders Drury Dobbins chosen Moderater, Berryman 
Hicks, Clerk. 

Head of Enoree and Pacolet churches were dismissed to 
join other bodies. 

Caution. — An impostor by the name of John Roberts, 
calling himself a Baptist preacheris advertised in the minutes 
of this session. 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
Berryman Hicks, and is an elaborate essay on the signification 
of Baptism and what it seals to its proper subjects. 

Messengers. — The French Broad sent Elder Humphrey 
Posey, the Mountain sent Elder Reuben Coffee, the Saluda 
sent Elder Nathan Berry and the Charleston sent Elder 
Sam'l Gibson as corresponding Messengers to the Broad 
River at its present session. 

Remarks. — This session of the Association is yet in the 
recollection of several of our oldest people. • 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 43 

The session of 1826 met at Macedonia church, Spartan- 
burg county, S. C. Introductory sermon by Elder Drury 
Dobbins. 

The Mount Ararat and Bill's Creek churches were ad- 
mitted, making a union of 41 churches. Total membership 
2090. Elders Drury Dobbins and Berry Hicks were elected 
Moderator and Clerk as at previous sessions. 

Courtesy. — An invitation Was then given by the Mod- 
erator in behalf of the Association to ministers of our own 
and other christian denominations, in good order in their 
churches, to take seats within the bar of the body, and aid 
in the deliberations; when the Rev. Mr. Porter, a Presbyte- 
rian minister and Rev. Sam'l Gibson of our own order ac- 
cepted the invitation and took part in the proceedings. The 
subject for discussion being the utility of Bible Societies. 
Pending this discussion a motion was made that the Associ- 
tion advise the churches in our union to encourage Bible 
Societies which was adopted. 

The Circular Letter to the churches w r as written by 
Bro. Hugh Quin, of Buffalo church, on Law and Grace, 
which is republished in this work in connection with the. 
biographical notice of Elder Quin. 

MESSENGERS. 

The following ministers attended this session as messen- 
gers from other bodies, viz : Thos. Goodwin, Larkin Stepp 
from Reedy River, Stephen Man gum from French Broad, 
Reuben Coffee from Mountain, Elias Mitchell, T. S. Greer, 
W. Alexander from Bethel, and L. Rector from the Saluda 
River. 

Remarks. — As a matter of course such a ministerial at- 
tendance as correspondents would impart great interest to 
associational work, and is always desirable. 

The session of 1827 convened at 'New Prospect church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. Elders Berryman Hicks and 
Gabriel Phillips failing to put in an appearance at the 
appointed time, Elder Samuel Gibson delivered the introduc- 
tory discourse. New Bethany and Mount Zion were admit- 
ted at this session, making a union of 41 churches. Mem- 
bership 1908. 



44 BROAD HIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Elder Gabriel Phillips, of Bethlehem, was elected 
Moderator, and Bro. Hugh Quin, Clerk. 

TREATING CANDIDATES AND DRAM-DRINKING. 

The Association adopted a resolution to withhold their 
support from any candidate for office who may be found in 
the habit of treating with spirituous liquors to obtain votes. 
And they further advise all the members of the body to ab- 
stain from the habitual use of ardent spirits as a beverage. 

CATAWBA RIVER ASSOCIATION. 

Mount Ruhamah, Bill's Creek, Ebenezer, Head of First 
Broad River, Big Spring, New Bethany, Silver Creek and 
Mountain Creek churches were dismissed by letter to form 
a new association, which was the Catawba River body. 

The circular of this year was written by Elder Gabriel 
Phillips, the Moderator, on Intemperance. 

Remarks. — We are inclined to think, iud^in^ from the 
maneuvering of the brethren of this session, that Prince 
Alcohol was holding high carnival in a considerable portion 
of the territory of which the Broad River Association is 
composed, and to some extent disturbing the peace of some 
of the churches, and hence this forward movement against 
him. 

The session of 1828 was held at Concord church, Ruth- 
erford county, N. C. The introductory discourse was deliv- 
ered by Elder Thomas Bomar, of Bethlehem church. There 
w T ere 33 churches left in the union, with a membership of 
1588. Elders Drury Bobbins was chosen Moderator and 
Phillip Ramsour, Clerk. 

North Catawba; Smyrna, and Double Springs were dis- 
missed to join the Catawba River Association. 

Query. — The following query was acted on, viz: 

"What method shall be taken to receive a member again into 
fellowship in a sister church who withdrew^ himself from the church 
to which he belonged, by reason of a charge being brought against 
hini by individuals who were not of the same faith and order, which 
church has since been dissolved by the Association, and he now 
wishes to join the nearest church to him V] 

Answer. "If said member come before the church and make 
suitable acknowledgments for his former conduct, he can be received 
again into fellowship according to Gospel order." 

Impostors. — The committee appointed to examine the 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 45 

Minutes of corresponding associations, reported the names 
of Wm. King, D. A. Balcom of New Jersey, Doctor Miller, 
John Smith of Hudson River, Mark Andrews, Randolph 
Mabrj, Leonard Prather, and Elisha Revels of Sandy Creek 
Associations as ministers in disorder. 

Remarks. — Xow here is a list of eight false teachers — 
wolves in sheep's clothing — who, in addition to those already 
noticed, are traversing the country over, their throats doubt- 
less being as open sepulchres, their tongues full of deceitful 
lying, having the poison of asps concealed under them, and 
their lips full of malicious mischief for the purpose of beguil- 
ing the unwary or unsuspecting. We should not, however, 
be surprised at this, for we read in the book of Job : 

"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present 
themselves to the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the 
Lord said unto Satan, 'Whence comest thou ?' Then Satan answer- 
ed the Lord and said, 'From going to and fro in the earth, and from 
walking up and down in it.'" 

The several false teachers advertised at this session, to- 
gether with the others heretofore noticed and subsequently 
to be noticed, will be considered very fit representatives of 
their old father — the Devil — who distinguished himself in 
Job's day and time. But as God, our great leader, is at all 
times much stronger than the devil, we may, with great con- 
fidence, expect that his strategy and o-reat cunning will in 
the end prove a failure, and he will be compelled to succumb 
at last and submit to the humiliating terms of being only 
second best, in the great struggle in which he is engaged to 
destroy the souls of men. 

The Circular Letter for this year is the production of 
Elder George Wilkie, of Antioch church. Subject, Where- 
fore thou art no more a Servant, but a Son ; and if a Son, then 
an heir of God through Christ. 

Remarks. — Elder M. C. Barnett, associational historian, 
in noticing this letter, says its method is as follows : 

1. In what sense are believers the sons of God? 2. In what re- 
spect are they called heirs ? 3. What is the heritage they are enti- 
tled to ? 4. How they attain to this privilege ? And 5. The wonder- 
ful free grace of God in granting them this privilege ? 

Negatively. Kot the sons of God only by creation, for so are all 
men. Xot only by Providence, not by external profession, but pos- 
itively by electing grace ; by regeneration, by adoption, by sanctifi- 



40 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 

cation. He allows them to share in His fatherly love ; to participate 
in the inheritance of their elder brother. The Holy Ghost is their 
comforter, and so on — high-strung predestinarianism from begin- 
ning to end. In the end he draws a strong conclusion from the sov- 
ereignty of grace to humility and good works." Alas! George 
Wilkie became heterodox in the faith, and disorderly, and was 
expelled from the church. He baptized us in the fellowship of the 
Antioch church, York county, S. C. 

The session of 1829 was held at Antioch Church, York 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by 
Elder James Rainwaters, of Philadelphia church. 

The union consists of 31 churches, baptized 102; mem- 
bership 1653. Elders Drury Dobbins was chosen Mode- 
rator and Phillip Ramsour, Clerk. 

Query. — Is it consistent with the Gospel for a Baptist church 
to receive a person into fellowship who has been immersed by an 
administrator of a different denomination, and recognize such as 
valid baptism ? Answer. — No. 

FALSE TEACHERS. 

The committee on corresponding minutes reported the 
names of Jesse Dinson of the Bethel, and Jeremiah Cannon 
of the Charleston Associations, to be Baptist preachers in 
disorder. 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
Drury Dobbins, of Sandy Run church, on the Divinity of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Remarks. — This session of the Association is recollected 
by the writer of these notes as being the first he ever attend- 
ed, then in his 18th year. He recollects well of seeiiigEIder 
Drury Dobbins for the first time, his locks then being as 
black as the wings of a raven, and voice smooth and eloquent. 
He preached during the session and was much admired by 
the audience. He also recollects well the discourses of Elder 
Samuel McCreary, a corresponding messenger from the 
Bethel Association. 

We joined the church at Antioch in 1831. Fifty-three 
years have passed away since that memorable session of the 
Broad River Association. What new scenes and changes 
have we past since then ! 

l, Oh ! to grace, how great a debtor, daily we're constrained to be ; 
Let Thy grace, Lord, like a fetter, bind our wandering hearts to 

Thee!" 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 47 

The session of 1880 was held at Cedar Springs church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder Drury Dobbins. There were 81 churches 
in the union, with a membership of 1634. Elders Dobbins 
and Ramsour were re-elected Moderator and Clerk. 

Query. — The following query came from Macedonia 
church, where they are be^innin^ to have trouble with Elder 
Jonathan Guthrie; 

"When a minister of the Gospel withdraws from a Baptist 
church in consequence of the principles held by it, has said church. 
*\ right to demand his credentials?" Answer. "Yes." 

SABBATH-SCHOOLS AND SLAVES. 

A resolution recommending the establishment of Sab- 
bath Schools and the Scriptural instruction of slaves, was 
adopted by the body. 

Thomas Bomar. — The demise of Elder Thomas Bomar, 
of Bethlehem church, was noticed in the Minutes of this 
session. (See biographical sketch of Elder Bomar.) The 
Circular Letter to the churches was written by Elder Berry- 
man Hicks, on the Qualifications and office-work of a. Deacon. 

The session of 1831 was convened at Buck Creek, Spar- 
tanburg count} T , S. C. The introductory discourse was de- 
livered by Elder Berry man Hicks, of Buffalo church. High 
Shoals church was admitted into the confederacy, making 32 
ill all, with a membership of 1537. 

The bod}' organized by electing Elder Berryman Hicks 
Moderator and Elder Phillip Ramsour, Clerk. 

Queries. — The following queries came up from Phila- 
delphia and Cedar Springs : 

1. Does the Word of God forbid a church to ordain a brother to 
the office of deacon whose wife is not a member of the church ?" 

Answer. "No; provided the wife profess (abstractly,) and has 
the prudence and faithfulness of a good wife." 

2. '"What shall a church do with members who have been con- 
tending about a matter, and agree to drop it and live together in the 
church, but will not commune together?" 

Answer. '-They -should be dealt with as disorderly members, — 
first by admonition, and if that should prove ineffectual, then by 
excommunication." 

MACEDONIA COMMITTEE. 

A committee appointed at last session to attend at Mac- 
edonia church and look into her standing, reported the 



4S BROA I) RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION", 

church as being in order, and their former pastor, Jonathan 
Guthrie, in disorder ; whereupon the Association advised 
the churches composing the Broad River Association to close 
their houses of public worship against the said Guthrie ; 
and they further advise the members of the several churches 
to close the doors of their dwellings against him as a preacher. 

Remarks. — The writer of this work recollects Johnathan 
Guthrie, who ran very well for a time. He was talented and 
popular as a preacher, and bade fair to be a shining light in 
the Association. He first appeared a lay delegate from Mac- 
edonia in 1820 and was licensed to preach soon after, and in 
1821 represented Macedonia again as a licensed preacher. He 
was in a short time after this ordained to the gospel ministry; 
and continued to represent Macedonia church until the ses- 
sion of 1829, at Antioch church, where he preached accepta- 
bly and was a prominent and rather conspicuous leader in 
the business of the Association. But soon after, alas ! he fell 
into disorder and shame. Intemperance and lascivousness 
were first charged, then heterodoxy in the faith. After preach- 
ing a while at such places as would receive him and to such 
congregations as would attend to hear him, he finally sank 
out of notice in the religious world. Like the sow that was 
washed, he returned to his wallowing again in the mire, and 
like the dog he returned to take up his filthy vomit. Alas ! 
for poor depraved human nature when destitute of the cleans- 
ing virtue of God's srrace! 

The session of 1832 was held at Sandy Run church, 
Cleveland county, X. C. The introductory sermon was de- 
livered by Elder John G. Landrum, then of Mount Zion 
church. 

The union consists of 32 churches, with a membership 
of 2111. There were during the past year 574 baptisms. 
The fruits of a glorious revival of religion among the 
churches. 

Elders Berry man Hicks was elected Moderator and 
John W. Lewis, Clerk. 

Queries. — The following queries were taken up and 
elicited considerable discussion, viz : 

"Have we any command in the word ot God, for the laying on 
of hands on those whom we baptize ? " Answ T er. " v o,"' 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 49 

2. "How should a church act under these circumstances: A 
man marries a woman, twenty years since, and from peculiar reasons 
lives with her but a very short time; he then removes to another 
State, leaves his first wife behind and marries within a short time 
another woman, with this second wife he lives about eighteen 
years and has a considerable family of children : about this time 
himself and second wife profess to obtain religion, and one of them 
applies for admittance into the membership of the church : at the 
same time it is reported and believed that his first wife is dead,— can 
they be received as members ?" ' 

Postponed until next year for consideration. 
EMANCIPATION OF SLAVES. 

At this session a package of pamphlets was handed in 
from the Colonization Society, which was promptly rejected. 

Remarks. — The abolition' of slavery was then beino; 
greatly agitated throughout the whole northern portion of 
the country, consequently Southern slave-owners would look 
upon a package of that kind as comparable to a fire-brand 
or bomb-shell thrown in among them by an enemy, not only 
to destroy the institution of slavery, but to destroy the peace 
and quietude of a large portion of the Southern churches 
and people. It might well be expected by the Northern agi- 
tators that the Southern people would resist even unto death 
so gross an interference with their chartered constitutional 
rights. But, says the anti-slavery party, the members of the 
colonization society did not contemplate the abolition ot 
slavery by any legal enactment, or by any change in the 
fundamental law of the country — they only intended the 
gradual emancipation of the slaves by the consent of their 
owners, and in that way relieve the Southern people of what 
they considered a growing evil to them. While the nation 
would thereby be relieved of the damning sin of slavery, 
which acted as a blot as they alleged upon our professions ot 
republican freedom and the equal rights of mankind. Our 
brethren, how T ever, were sensitive as to their vested rights, 
and were fully aware of the approaching crusade against 
them. The abolition or destruction of the institution or 
slavery had been unmistakably decreed, "peaceably if Ave 
can, or forcibly if we must," and therefore if a scheme of 
apparent mildness was first put forward for the purpose and 
proved insufficient, it only paved the way or served as an 
entering wedge for something more efficient, which the agi- 
7 



50 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

tators would never fail to brinsj forward, bearing direction 

O 7 o 

on the mooted question at issue. 

The Circular Letter of this year was written by Dr. J. 
W. Lewis, of Mount Zion church, on the proper method for 
a church to ''pursue in calling a pastor or supply , and the duties 
incumbent on them to each other. We publish this letter in full 
in our notice of Dr. J. W. Lewis. Dr. Lewis was the patron 
and friend of Elder John Gr. Landrum in his early ministe- 
rial life. Elder Drury Scruggs as a licentiate was in this 
session. 

The session of 1833 convened at Long Creek church, 
Gaston county, E". C. The introductory sermon was preach- 
ed by Elder Drury Dobbins, of Sandy Run. The union con- 
sisted of 31 churches. 314 members, as the fruit of the 
religious revival of this period, were baptized during the past 
year. Total membership, 2503. 

The body organized by electing Elders Drury Dobbins 
Moderator, and John W. Lewis, Clerk. 

Queries. — The following queries were taken up and 
disposed of, viz : 

1. "Shall an able-bodied male member of a church be retained 
in fellowship who never contributes anything to the support of the 
church to which he belongs, without giving satisfactory reasons for 
it?', Answer. "No." 

2. The query of last session (See notice of ltvst year's record) was 
answered as follows, viz : -'As we are unacquainted with the pecu- 
liar circumstances mentioned in the query, we feel unprepared to 
give a definite answer, but in general terms we would say that we 
know of but two circumstances under which a man is justifiable in 
putting away his wife, or the wife her husband, and these are for 
the cause of fornication, and in case of an invalid marriage, — in both 
of which cases when either are proven beyond doubt, we conceive 
the innocent' party to be justifiable in a second marriage, and entitled 
to church privileges." 

TYGER RIVER ASSOCIATION. 

Mount Zion, Holly Springs, Bethlehem, "Washington, 
and Head of Tyger River churches were dismissed, at their 
request, for the purpose of uniting with other churches to 
form the Tyger River Association. 

Remarks. — This body was formed soon afterwards. 
Elders John G. Landrum and John "W". Lewis were both 
delegated from Mount Zion church, and were in the session 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 51 

of the Broad River that we are now noticing, Dr. Lewis act- 
ing clerk of the body. We very well recollect the youthful 
and slender appearance of Landman, while exhibiting the 
Gospel in his earnest and pathetic way to the large congre- 
gations which attended that session of the Association. Pie 
was a great revivalist, and spoke cheering words of a good 
work of grace then going on in the region of country he rep- 
resented, embracing portions of Spartanburg and Greenville 
counties, in South Carolina, which seemed to pervade the 
country where he and Dr. Lewis had been laboring. Lewis 
was a man of considerable bulk, a little over the medium 
size, heavy build, with large chest, and stentorian voice, and 
a good preacher — although not as acceptable as Landrum. 

Dr. Wait. — The venerable Dr. Samuel Wait attended 
this session of the Association — a man who did more, it is 
said, for the development of the educational interests of 
Xorth Carolina than any other man living at any time in the 
State. Whether this he true or not, it is certain that his in- 
fluence upon the Baptists was very great, and he was the 
man to whom more than to any other the denomination is 
indebted for the Baptist State Convention, being the first 
and most efficient agent of that body ; and as the founder ot 
Wake Forest College he has laid our people under the most 
sacred obligations to cherish his memory with grateful affec- 
tion. Dr. Wait was born in Washington county, New York, 
Dec. 19th, 1780, says the Baptist Encyclopedia, and was con- 
sequentlv 58 years of a<£e at this session of the Association 

1 ■ V j & f 

but looked as though he was more than three-score and ten. 
It is strange there is no mention of Dr. Wait in the Minutes 
of the session. So strange was the state of feeling existing 
at that time between the North and South on the slavery 
question, that even christian courtesies were withheld. It is 
possible that angels may sometimes be entertained unawares. 
We know of our own personal knowledge that Dr. Wait at- 
tended this meeting of the Association, and preached several 
good sermons under the requests of the people, sent up to 
the body through the committee on religious exercises. 

The Circular Letter was prepared by Elder Phillip Ram- 
sour, on the method to be pursued to keep the unity of the Spirit 
in the bonds of peace. 



52 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Fast Day. — The body requested the churches to observe 
Christmas day and the fourth of July as days of religious 
worship every year. And the first day of January next as a 
day of fasting and prayer. 

The session of 1834 was held at Goucher Creek church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder Berry man Hicks, from 1 Tim. iv. 16. 

The union consisted of 26 churches. Baptized, 109. 
Total number of members in the several churches, 1748. 

The body elected Elders Drury Dobbins Moderator and 
Phillip Ramsour, Clerk. Shiloh church was admitted. 

Bro. James M. Webb was a delegated licentiate from 
the High Shoal church this session, being the first he ever 
attended as a delegate. 

Query. — The following query was taken up for discus- 
sion, viz : 

"Is it consistent with the Gospel to receive into the fellowship 
of the church persons who have been baptized by a minister in dis- 
order, without re baptizing them?" Answer. "No." 

Correspondence was opened with the Tyger River Asso- 
ciation, recently formed of part of the churches of this body. 

JAMES LEWIS, OF GASTON COUNTY, N. C. 

The demise of Elder Jas. Lewis, of Long Creek church, 
is noticed in the Minutes of this session, viz: 

"It becomes our painful duty to record the death of our beloved 
brother, James Lewis, under which dispensation we desire to feel 
deeply humbled under God, and sympathize with the bereaved 
widow and fatherless children ; but we would 'not sorrow T as those 
who have no hope. 7 What, is our present Joss is his everlasting 
gain." 

The Circular Letter to the churches was written by Elder 
Berryman Hicks, on the design of circumcision, and the differ- 
ence between that and baptism. 

Fast Days. — The body again urged the churches to ob- 
serve Christmas day and the fourth of July as days of relig- 
ious worship every year. 

Remarks. — The writer recollects well that it was cus- 
tomary about this period of the world's history, to celebrate 
these memorable anniversaries in a very loose, licentious and 
wicked manner, by reveling and excessive debauchery, 
amounting generally to a complete desecration instead of 
grateful recollection of the festival days meant to be cele- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 53 

brated. Unfortunately the heathenish practice, although in 
a degree checked, is not yet wholly abated. 

The session of 1835 met at Wolf's Creek church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was deliv- 
ered by Elder James M. Webb, of High Shoals church. 

There were 26 churches in the union, and a membership 
of 1751. The body organized with Elders Drury Dobbins 
Moderator, and Phillip Ramsour, Clerk. 

ABOLITION OF SLAVERY. 

After the usual routine of association al business was 
transacted, the following preamble and resolutions were in- 
troduced and discussed at some length and unanimously 
adopted by the body, viz: 

"Whereas, the Abolitionists in the Northern States have cir- 
culated certain incendiary pamphlets, prejudicial to the interests of 
the South, and the same are calculated to create much disturbance 
in our christian community, inasmuch as such productions have 
been sent to ministers and private members of churches, contrary to 
their wishes and without their consent; and whereas, ministers of 
the Gospel are liable, in this way, to have their usefulness much 
diminished in a community whose feelings are hostile to such senti- 
ments. Therefore 

Resolved, That this Association disclaim all communion with 
those engaged in sending abroad productions so corrupt and poison- 
ous, and that we will in future look with indignation and contempt 
upon any such efforts as are calculated to disturb the best interests 
;.nd peace of our country, and we recommend the same course to our 
churches and sister associations." 

Remarks. — The abolition troubles were being gradu- 
ally and insidiously pushed along by designing abolition 
politicians, and also by those in many instances professing 
to be the .ministers of peace and reconciliation through the 
cross of Christ. The leaven was steadily at work which 
eventually brought about the emancipation of negro slavery 
and one of the bloodiest of wars recorded any where in the 
annals of the country, — a weighty responsibility which 
rests somewhere, and in the great day of accounts the guilty 
parties will have but a poor opportunity to dodge it. 

DISORDERLY PREACHERS. 

The committee to examine the Minutes of correspond- 
ing bodies, reported the names of Richard Johnson, R. Ilen- 
drine, Samuel Thompson and Jesse Benson as preachers in 
disorder in the bounds of the Tyger River Association. 



54 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Remarks. — There was scarcely ever a good bank char- 
tered that did not receive some annoyance'from counterfeit- 
ers; the laws, however r are generally made severe on such,, 
and should he rigidly enforced to deter others from pursuing 
a course so vile and deceitful. 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
Drury Dobbins^ on the duty of a church in the choice of a Deacon, 

The session of 1836 was held at Zion church, Cleveland 
county, E". C. The introductory sermon was delivered by 
Elder Jas. Rainwaters^ of Philadelphia church. The union 
consists of 26 churches, w T ith a membership of 1749. 

Organization. — Elders Berryman Hicks was elected 
Moderator and Phillip Ramsonr, Clerk. 

Bro. S. G. Hamilton, of Green River, w r as a delegated 
licentiate. 

Personal.- — The compiler of this associational history 
was a delegate to the Association from Antioch church at 
this session (then in his 26th year,) accompanied by his young- 
wife, having married a short time previous to the meeting. 
He acted as reading clerk, and has bee?i in nearly all the 
sessions of the body since, up to the time of the formation of 
the Kino-'s Mountain Association in 1851. and can truthfully 
say that he has greatly enjoyed the many annual reunions of 
the brethren that have been held subsequent to his first ap- 
pearance in this very pleasant session at Zion. He hope? 
that in the Providence of God he will he permitted to enjoy 
yet the pleasant annual sessions of the body; and although 
doubtless he will ere long cross over the river, and not be 
permitted to witness the centennial session in 1900, yet he 
as an humble christian looks forward, with a more lively 
interest, to the inheritance laid up in store for the finally 
faithful. 

The Circular Letter was prepared by Elder Berryman 
Hicks, on the nature of Popery, and its probable tendency in the 
United States of America. 

Remarks. — This is quite an elaborate essay, and we 
really wish we could republish it entire. A few extracts, 

however, must suffice : 

"Juclaizing teachers were the first to corrupt Christianity. See 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 55 

the Epistle to the Galatians. Bowing to the east, the celebration of 
Easter, the use of the sign of the Cross, and of sponsors, with some 
•other inventions, were established in the second century. Councils 
which were frequently held in the third century greatly increased 
the power* of the priesthood, and gave the right of their authority to 
pernicious innovations. The number of church officers were enlarged, 
a regular hierarchy was fast forming, and idle ceremonies were in- 
vented in abundance. Anno Domini '306, Constantino, the Great, 
ascended the throne, and very soon remodeled Christianity as to its 
external forms and made it a State engine. Wealth and power flowed 
in a pace, magnificent buildings, splendid decorations and rites — 
often borrowed from paganism — were thought to be the religion of 
Him who was meek and lowly of heart, and the graduation of rank 
in the church was assimilated as much as possible to that adopted in 
the -State, 

•'Anno Domini 325, the council of Nice. Here christians first 
learned to persecute those who differed from them, and the lesson is 
scarcely yet forgotten. The fourth and fifth centuries were distin- 
guished by the increasing prevalence of superstition, — such as pil- 
grimages to supposed holy places, relic hunting, monasticisms, nu- 
merous fasts and feasts, auricular confessions, prayers to the saints, 
<fec. Anno Domini 606, the Bishop of Rome assumed the title of 
Universal Bishop. A. D. 754 the Pope became a temporal Prince, by 
.acquiring the exarchate of Ravenna. A D. 787, image worship, 
-sanctioned by the seventh general council held at Nice. Transub- 
stantiation was first taught by Paschasius Radburtus, in the ninth 
century. In the eleventh century, Gregory, the seventh, assumed 
supremacy over princes as well as prelates, and arrogated to himself 
the right of disposing crowns. He also interdicted the use of litur- 
gies in any other language than the Latin. The traffic in indulgen- 
ces began in the twelfth century. A. D. 1215, communion in one 
kind established. A. D. 1229, the inquisition formed, and the use of 
the Scriptures in ihe vernacular language prohibited. A, D. 1414, 
the council of Constantine, at which it was agreed that faith is not 
to be kept with heretics. A. D. 1517, the Reformation commenced 
in January. A. D. 1540, the order of Jesuits instituted. A. D. 1546, 
the council of Trent opened its deliberations, which terminated in 
1563. By this council the errors and absurdities of the Papal system 
were solemnly authorized. 

"A scrutiny of ecclesiastical history will lead to the conclusion 
that almost every corruption in Christianity may be traced to the 
lusts of power and the pride of false philosophy. The vulgate is a 
very ancient translation of the Bible, and the only one acknowl- 
edged by the Church of Rome to be authentic. A very heavy charge 
Hes against it, with the additions of Pope Clement VIII., viz : that 
they have new texts added, and many old ones altered, to counte- 
nance and confirm the Roman Catholic doctrine. 

"No country perhaps has ever produced more martyrs than 
France. There was a violent persecution against the Protestants in 



56 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

the year 1562, in the reign of Charles IX. Many of the principal 
Protestants were invited to Paris, upon a solemn oath of safety upon 
the occasion of the marriage of the King of Navarre, with the French 
King's sister. The Q,ueendowager of Navarre, a zealous Protestant, 
however, was poisoned by a pair of gloves, before the marriage was 
solemnized. Coliguy, Admiral of France, was basely murdered in 
his own house, to gratify the malice of the Duke of Guisci, and after 
a thousand indignities offered to his body it was hung by the feet to 
a gibbet. After this, the murderers ravaged the whole city of Paris, 
and butchered within three days above ten thousand lords, gentle- 
men, presidents, and people of all ranks. A horrible scene of things, 
says Thuanus, existed when the very streets and passages resounded 
with the noise of those who were dying, and the shrieks of those who 
were going to be butchered were everywhere heard. 

"In conclusion, we say how are we to avert the storm that seems 
to be hanging over us? Is persecution the proper remedy? No. 
Is a troublous mob, excited to destroy their property and temples ? 
By no means. Toleration is our peculiar boast. Let it be fully and 
sincerely manifested to all men, but with a becoming zeal toward 
God, earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. 
And there followed another angel, saying: 'Babylon is fallen, that 
great city, because she made all nations to drink of the wine of the 
wrath of her fornication." 

The writer of this letter very plainly points how the 
"mother church" (as some are pleased to call the Roman 
Catholic church) became a corrupt hierarchy^ and indeed a 
'mother of harlots.' There were, at the time that letter was 
WTitten, about 400 organizations in the United States culled- 
Catholic churches. How is it now? So great has been the 
anxiety of the Se3 of R >me to captivate and capture the 
unwary citizens and people of free America, that he has in 
a measure metamorphosed the churches of his faith and order, 
by manipulating their litany, and so accommodating their 
ritual of worship to the mode of other denominations. Ro- 
man Catholicism in the United States is very different now 
from what it once was in the old world. Their fine cathe- 
drals, gorgeous pews and enchanting music, with modified 
liturgy, are designed to attract the aristocratic, vain and irre- 
ligious portions of mankind, and through instrumentalities 
of this nature, congregations or followers are easily obtained. 
The next thing is the establishment of schools and semina- 
ries of learning, equipped properly with the highest grades 
of scholarship. And before the unsuspecting, patronizing 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 57 

parent is aware of his mistake, the minds of his children 
are so moulded at these Catholic schools as to cause them to 
imbibe the principles of their tutors, and the so-called church 
is thereby strengthened and built up. 

It is our impression that the Catholic Church has so far 
departed from the truth and so grievously perverted it as to 
forfeit all claim to the title of a church of Christ. The ex- 
ternal organization of it is obviously not that taught by Christ 
and His Apostles. As to this matter, everything in the Bi- 
ble is simple. The Kingdom of Christ is not of outward 
observation : its seat is in the hearts and affections of men 
— its elements are righteousness, and peace, and joy in the 
Holy Ghost. The great object of the Apostles and first 
preachers of the doctrines of Christ, was to win men to the 
belief and to the practice of the Truth. When men believed 
the truth they were baptized, and were thus introduced into 
the communion of the saints; and not a word is said about 
popes, patriarchs, cardinals, metropolitans, prelates, or of 
the duty of implicit obedience to their authority. There is 
a government enjoined, but it is as free and as simple as one 
can well conceive, whilst that of the Catholic church is as 
despotic and as absurdly pompous as one can well imagine. 
As this external obligation is certainly not taught in the 
Bible, the question arises, where did it come from ? 

The answer to this question is to us very plain. As the 
early church advanced in numbers, influence and wealth, it 
gradually lost the martyr spirit of its founders. Its minis- 
ters became corrupt, secular and ambitious. By degrees, 
bishops from an office became an order. As Rome was the 
metropolis of the world (and it is there that the greatest 
number of martyrs had shed their blood,) the bishop of the 
metropolitan city soon became pre-eminent among the breth- 
ren, low the State sought the influence of the church to 
assist in maintaining its authority, and the church sought 
the influence of the State to assist in building up its ghostly 
dominion. Each yielded to the request of the other. The 
church rapidly extended, and the ambition of priests con- 
ceived the idea of governing it after the model of the State. 
Rome must be the center of ecclesiastical as of civil power. 
The State had its Caesar, the Church must have its Pope ; 



58 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Caesar bad his governors of provinces, the Pope must have 
his patriarchs. The governors had their subordinates, and 
these again theirs — down to the very lowest office — so that 
the patriarchs had their archbishops, these their bishops, and 
these their priests, and so down to the very lowest office in 
the church. As in the State, all civil authority emanated 
from Caesar, and all disputes were finally referable to him ; 
so in the church all ecclesiastical authority emanated from 
the Pope, and he was made the final judge of all disputes. 

The foregoing is the outline of Roman Catholicism as it 
originated and progressed through a long series of years 
after the days of the Apostles. It was during this period of 
time that extreme unction, penance, purgatory, transubstan- 
tiation, infant baptism, miracles, and many other meaning- 
less rites were introduced. High-sounding titles were also 
introduced, such as "His Holiness," "Eight Reverend," and 
"Reverend," having no authority whatsoever in the Scrip- 
tures. And Protestants and even Baptists seem to be fond 
of appropriating these unscriptural titles. We have never 
yet read anything about His Holiness, Right Reverend, or 
even Reverend Doctor Paul, or Peter; nor do we find that 
these fashionable titles were ever applied to any of the min- 
isters of Christ in the clays of his incarnation, or during the 
time of any of His Apostles, and consequently they must 
have had their origin in the corruptions of popery. The 
word "Reverend," we believe, occurs only once in the Scrip- 
tures, (Psalms cxi. 9.) "He sent redemption unto his peo- 
ple; he hath commanded his covenant forever; holy and 
reverend is his name." This title very well applies to God, 
but we think it does not well apply to poor, frail, mortal 
man — one of His creatures. Away with this relic of popery! 
Having made mention of fine cathedrals as a Catholic 
appliance to catch good congregations, we wish to acid a few 
words in regard to fine Protestant or Baptist churches. It 
was certainly the will of Christ that the poor should have 
the Gospel preached to them. Then if the paraphernalia of 
churches is so fine and costly (as does appear almost so some- 
times,) as to intimidate the poorly clad, unfortunate, and 
doubtless sometimes unthrifty poor people of the country 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 59 

(who cannot boast of having more than two or three changes 
of raiment, and that of a cheap texture,) from entering 
church edifices where there is generally to he seen a great 
display of finery and other extraordinary trappings, — where 
the idol god Fastosus appears often to them to have supreme 
sway, we think there should be something done to meet 
such cases in village churches. The Gospel should be exhib- 
ited at other points where the poor would be likely to attend 
and receive the benefits intended, both from the sanctuary 
and Sabbath-school. Having always been poor, we know 
how to sympathize with and plead the cause of the poor. In 
looking over the last paragraph or two, we are not sure that 
it would not have been as well to have omitted what has 
been said, but like Pilate, we say : "what we have written we 
have written." 

The session of 1837 met at Buffalo church, York coun- 
ty, S. C. The introductory sermon was preached by Elder 
James M. Webb, of High Shoals church. There are in the 
associational union 26 churches and 1652 communicants. 
The body organized by electing Elders Drury Dobbins Mod- 
erator, and James M. Webb, Clerk. 

After the usual routine of business was gone through 
with, the Circular Letter of the churches, prepared by Elder 
James M. Webb, on the necessity of the agency of the Spirit of 
God in the work of regeneration on the soul, was read and adopt- 
ed. This letter is published in full with the notice of Elder 
Webb in this work. I 

A Good Max. — The demise of Deacon William Under- 
wood, of Cedar Springs Church, is noticed in the Minutes 
of this session. 

"His long, untiring zeal in the cause of the Redeemer's Kingdom 
and his faithfulness in the discharge of the office of a deacon, which 
he held for thirty-four years in Cedar Spring Church, united to al- 
most every virtue that adorn the character of an upright heart and 
faithful follower of Him whom he most loved on earth, entitle him 
to the remembrance of those of his brethren whom he has left be- 
hind. In him this Association have to lament the loss of a brother 
in whose faithfulness and counsel they could much depend, and 
whilst we sympathize with his relatives and friends we advise Ihem 
not to sorrow and grieve as those who have no hope, for that which 
is our loss is his eternal gain ; and although his cold remains may 



60 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

lie in solitude until the morn of the resurrection, yet it is confidently 
hoped and believed that his soul has flown to rest in the bosom of 
his Heavenly Redeemer and Friend, there to enjoy a crown of life 
incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away." 

The session of 1838 was held at Friendship church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder Drury Dobbins, of Sandy Run church. 
In union 27 churches ; membership 1650. Elders Drury 
Dobbins, Moderator, James M. Webb, Clerk. 

PIONEER MINISTERS FALLEN. 

The demise of Elders Joel Blackwell, of Green River 
church, and John Padgett, of New Hope, is noticed in the 
Minutes of this session. (See biographical notices in this 
work). 

The Circular Letter was prepared by Elder Drury Dob- 
bins, to show who Melchisedec was, and to run the analogy be- 
tween his priesthood and that of Jesus Christ. (See biographical 
notice for the letter. 

The session of 1839 met at Green River church, Ruth- 
erford county, JS\ C. Elder Drury S<.ruggs preached the 
introductory sermon. The union consists of 27 churches; 
baptized 135. Total membership 1725. 

Query. — Query from Green River church, viz : 
"What shall be done when a married member makesapplication 
to the church for a letter of dismission, who has left his family and 
wishes to remove to a distant country, and who says that his com- 
panion is so disagreeable that he cannot live with her, and that he 
does not expect to live with her any more?" 

Answer. "We advise the church to enquire into the circum- 
stances, and if the evidence should be that the companion complain- 
ed of is of such turbulent character as to render it impossible for the 
member complaining to live with the other in peace, and that her 
conduct is so disagreeable as to make the party miserable and un- 
happy, in such case a letter should be given, provided the complain- 
ing member has not married, and is of pious habits and good char- 
acter ; but if the evidence is that the complaining party is a wrong 
doer, and has so acted as to produce the cause of which he complains, 
then we think a letter should be refused." 

SALEM ASSOCIATION AND THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 

After opening correspondence with Salem Association 
the Circular Letter, prepared by Elder James M. Webb, on 

the divine and special call from God to men to preach the Gospel 
of Jesus Christ, and the evidences that manifest themselves in a 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 61 

person so called, was adopted. Like every other production 
of Elder James M. Webb, this document is very interesting 
and instructive, and fully meets objections to a special call to 
the ministry. 

The session of 1840 met at Concord church, Rutherford 
county, N"; C. The introductory sermon was preached by 
Elder S. G. Hamilton, of Green River. Zion Hill church 
was admitted, making a union of 28 churches and 2165 
members, — 487 being baptized during the past year. Elders 
Drury Dobbins and James M. Webb re-elected Moderator 
and Clerk. Dr. Felix W. Littlejohn, from Goucher Creek, 
made his first appearance in the Association as a delegate. 

PARTICIPANTS OF THE REVIVAL. 

Goucher Creek, Buck Creek, Green River, New Pros- 
pect, Providence, Bethesda, Camp's Creek, Macedonia, Zoar, 
Cedar Springs, etc., enjoyed revival seasons, and were greatly 
refreshed. 

The Circular Letter was prepared by Elder S. G. Ham- 
ilton, on Brotherly Love. (See biographical sketch of Elder 
S. G. Hamilton.) 

The session ot 1841 met at Antioch church, York coun- 
ty, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder 
James M. Webb, of the High Shoals church. The union 
had 28 churches, 152 baptized; total membership 2197. 
Elders Drury Dobbins and James M. Webb were again re- 
elected Moderator and Clerk. Elder R. P. Logan, delegate 
-from Antioch, made his first appearance in the Association. 

GREEN RIVER ASSOCIATION. 

The following churches applied for letters of dismission 
to form the Green River Association, to-wit : High Shoals, 
Concord, Green River, Green's Creek and Shiloh. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder James M. Webb, on the subject of Communiow. 

Remarks. — Elder James M. Webb had for several years 
been a member of this Association, and had become a bright 
and shining light to the body, and it was with much regret 
the brethren were called onto give him the parting hand. 
After the organization of the Green River Association he 
continued to be a leading member thereof until the day ot 
his death, often presiding as Moderator of the body. 



62 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

A PETITION FROM CROSS-ROADS. 

The petition presented by certain members of Cross- 
Roads church was taken up and considered, and request 
granted. Brethren Spencer Morgan, F. W. Littlejohn, 
Drury Dobbins, E. J. Underwood, Drury Scruggs and Eli- 
jah Turner were appointed a committee to investigate the 
whole matter in controversy, and report to the next Associ- 
ation. 

Eemarks. — At the next session the committee was called 
on for their report, and upon examination said committee 
was instructed to further investigate and report to the next 
Association." At the next session no report .was made, nor 
anything minuted about it. We have taken notice of this 
matter supposing it was a very important one, judging from 
the complexion of the committee to whonit it was referred, 
but as the matter either died a natural death or the committee 
neglected to investigate and report as instructed, we are un- 
able to decide, but would like very well to know what was 
all this trouble about. 

The session of 1842 met at Elbethel church, Union 
county, S. C. The introductoiw sermon was delivered by 
Elder Drury Dobbins, of Sandy Run church. 

Corinth, Capernaum, Bethlehem, Sulphur Springs (new 
churches) and Unity from the Bethel Association applied for 
admission into our union and were received, making a union 
of 28 churches and a membership of 1998 communicants. 

Organization. — The body organized by electing Elder 
Drury Dobbins, Moderator, and Elder Drury Scruggs, Clerk. 
Elder James D. Crowder, from Sandy Run church, made his 
first appearance in the body, and Elder M. C. Barnett, from 
Cedar Springs church, was also^a delegate at this session. 

Correspondence was opened with the Green River As- 
sociation, recently organized. 

The Circular Letter of this year was Andrew Fuller's, 
on Church Discipline. 

The session of 1843 was held at State Line church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was deliv- 
ered by Elder Drury Scruggs, of the State Line church. 
The body organized by electing Elder Drury Dobbins, Mod- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 63 

orator, and Elder Spencer Morgan, Clerk. The union con- 
sists of 28 churches, and a membership of 2032. 

A PIONEER FALLEN. 

The demise of Elder Zachariah Blackwell, of Mount 
Ararat, is noticed in the Minutes of this session. (See bio- 
graphical notice.) 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
Drury Scruggs, on the mission of John (he Baptist. (See notice 
of Drury Scruggs.) Elder Wade Hill, afterwards a promi- 
nent minister of this Association, made his first appearance 
as a delegate from Antioch at this session, as did Bro. Thos. 
Dixon, then a licentiate from the same church. 

The session of 1844 met at Providence church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was preach- 
ed by Elder Wade Hill, of Antioch. Upper Fair Forest and 
Pacolet were admitted into the confederacy of churches, 
making 28 in all; baptized during the year 133. Total 
membership 2129. Elders Drury Dobbins and Spencer Mor- 
gan were re-elected officers of the body. 

Query. — The following query was sent up from Provi- 
dence church, viz .- 

"Is it consistent with the Scriptures to ordain a man to the sacred 
office of Deacon, who carries on a distillery?" 

"After some discussion, it was moved to lay the query on the 
table, which motion prevailed." 

Remarks. — We are sorry to see a matter of such impor- 
tance so summarily disposed of. The body should have 
bearded the lion in his den ; and as they were holding the 
session at the very church which sent the query, they cer- 
tainly did not act respectfully towards the brethren in snub- 
bing them as they did. We may not however be fully aware 
of all the particulars of the case. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Drury Dobbins, on the nature and proper observance of 
the Lord's Day. Elder John G. Kindrick, of Pacolet church, 
made his first appearance in the body as a delegate. 

The session ot 1845 met at Philadelphia church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was deliv- 
ered by Elder Micajah C. Barnett, of Cedar Springs church. 
Double Springs church was admitted into the union, making 



(U BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

29 in all ; baptized since the last session, 151. Total mem- 
bership, 2057. The body organized by electing Elders 
Drury Scruggs, Moderator, and Micajah C. Barnett, Clerk. 

DOMESTIC MISSION. 

A petition came up from Long Creek church, praying 
the body to devise ways and means to establish a Domestic 
Mission within the bounds of the Broad River Association. 
On a motion to adopt, a considerable discussion was had, pro 
and con, and by a vote of the Association afterwards the pro- 
ject was rejected. 

Volunteers. — Elders Drury Scruggs and Micajah C.Bar- 
nett then volunteered their services each for twenty : eight 
clays, to itinerate within the field as designated in the peti- 
tion, whereupon a tender of compensation was made by sev- 
eral of the delegates present. 

Bemarks. — The subject of Temperance and Missions 
was now beginning to be agitated in several of the churches, 
and the brethren were very much divided in sentiment upon 
both. 

Query. — The following query was taken up tor consid- 
eration, viz : 

u Is it right to hold in fellowship, and admit to our communion, 
members who openly profess themselves Camp'oeliites?" 
Answer. "No." 

E. M. Chaffin. — The following resolution was adopted : 
Resolved, That w T e warn our churches against a certain E. M. 
Chaffin, who sometimes passes himself as a Baptist preacher, as he 
is in disorder, and not worthy of christian regard. 

Bemarks. — E. M. Chaffin made his advent into the 
bounds of the Broad River Association about the year 1836, 
and located in Cleveland county, N. C. Soon after that the 
Zoar church was constituted, and he was one of the original 
constituents of said church and became its pastor. He was 
a good preacher, and had the reputation of being a great 
revivalist. He attracted large congregations and was, with 
some, a great favorite. He seemed to be instrumental in 
doing a great deal of good in building up the cause of Zion. 
He sometimes made distant preaching tours, clad in very 
common home-spun apparel, and made rather a shabby ap- 
pearance for a minister of the Gospel, possessing the talent 
or ability that he did. In these preaching tours he some- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTEST ASSOCIATION. - 6') 

times visited associations and other large assemblages, and 
preached as few others could, his sermons being character-' 
ized by much zeal and pathos. He frequently complained of 
the apathy and negligence of his people, as to ministerial 
support, &e. His sermons very often had a telling effect, and 
it is said he was often the recipient of handsome contribu- 
tions of money and clothing. He appeared to run pretty 
well for a while. But alas! evil reports began to follow 
him, and charges of concupiscence were preferred against 
him in the church where he was a member and pastor; these 
he baffled for a time. At last, however, the strong arm of 
the law was. about to overtake him, when he adroitly man- 
aged to get a letter of dismission from the church and igno- 
miniously fled to other parts of the country. It is said he 
became a gambler and black leg, and died during the war. 

The Circular Letter addressed to the churches was pre- 
pared by Elder Micajah C. Barnett, on the subject of Tem- 
perance. The document is rather of a general character, in 
which there is but slight allusion to intemperate dram- 
drinking. 

James Crowder. — The demise of Elder James B. Crow- 
der, of Sandy Run church, who died within the past associ- 
ational year, is noticed on the face of the Minutes of this 
session, whom we esteemed as one of the best of men, and 
though we have sustained a great loss, we believe it to be. his 
eternal gain." 

The session of 1846 met at Macedonia church, Spartan- 
burg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered 
by Elder Brury Scruggs, of State Line. Gilead church was 
admitted, making a union of 30 churches and a total mem- 
bership of 2074. Baptized since last session, 139. 

The officers of the last session were re-elected. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Wade Hill, on the subject of Domestic Missions. 

JRemarks. — On a motion to adopt the letter, there was 
elicited a considerable debate, in which Elders Bobbins, Webb, 
(of Green River,) Curtis and others took part. The tone of 
the letter was considered rather ultra, as a missionary docu- 
ment, bv Elder Bobbins, while the other brethren named 
9 



66 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

favored its adoption. Elder Dobbins was not opposed to 
missionary operations among the, churehes, as churches, but 
was opposed to any action by the Association, as an agent 
with plenary powers, to inaugurate such a scheme or system 
of measures as that indicated in Elder Hill's circular. He 
claimed that he was a "go-between" the two extremes, and 
would favor any action taken by the churches, as such, for 
the furtherance of domestic missions, while he would at all 
times oppose any action on the part ofthe Association to lord 
it over the churches, without first being asked by them to do 
so. Pie was aware, too, that there was strong opposition to 
the principles ofthe letter, as manifested by the action taken 
on the subject at the last session, on the petition sent up from 
Long Creek, praying the establishment of a domestic mis- 
sion. He would therefore oppose the adoption of the letter, 
unless certain objectionable features were stricken out. It 
was very obvious that Elder Dobbins wielded the greater 
strength of the body, and was fully able to defeat the adop- 
tion of the letter which, however, out of respect for Elder 
Hill's feelings he did not wish to do. At the instance of 
Elder Webb, the objectionable features of the letter were 
stricken out by erasure with the pen, and the debate ceased 
by the adoption of the letter with corrections. Elder Dob- 
bins was fully persuaded in his belief that Elder Webb was 
the writer of the letter, he said to a brother, "that might be 
seen through a leather apron ;" and although he did not 
claim the paternity, yet he fought valiantly for the bantling, 
be it whose it might. The letter is given in the notice of 
Elder Wade Hill. 

ELDER M. C. BARNETT'S ACCOUNT OF IT. 

While on this subject we cannot well refrain from giving 
the episode, as given by Elder Micajah C. Barnett, in his 
history of the Association. He says: 

"The Circular Letter, prepared by Bro. Hill, on the subject of 
Domestic Missions, drew out a great deal of debate— not because of 
the manner in which it was written, for it was an able and well 
written production— but thoroughly missionary in spirit. After a 
great deal of debate on Saturday, the day it was called up, the vote 
was taken and the circular rejected. On Monday there was a mo- 
tion made by Bro. Covington, who had voted in the majority on 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. G7 

Saturday to reconsider, and after much debate and some modifica- 
tions of the production, it was adopted. 

"At this meeting old Dr. Curtis (I use the word old to distin- 
guish him from his son, who also has the title of Doctor) and Elder 
William Curtis were corresponding messengers from the Charleston 
Association. It was the first time we had met with them in our 
body. Dr. Curtis took a very active part in the debate in behalf of 
the circular. To me at that time he was very singular in his man- 
ners in debate. He signified that he imagined himself almost an in- 
truder, especially as he had to take a position which was opposed to 
Elder Dobbins, whom he seemed to regard with a profound venera- 
tion. He perhaps had never met with Dobbins be ore, but he was 
acquainted with him from character, and to oppose Dobbins in de- 
bate, seemed to him almost like opposing an oracle. In all his 
remarks, therefore, he kept his eye steadily on Dobbins. ■ He seemed 
not to have known that Scruggs was Moderator. He stood up close 
to the table, facing Dobbins, and while making his speech he would 
frequently bow down with his face nearly to the table, and then at 
the end of his sentence he would suddenly throw himself I ack over 
a perpendicular, and for a moment look steadily at hisBro. Dobbins, 
as if he would ask him to forgive trim for what he had said amiss, 
and then clown, and up in like manner. 

"There was a good deal of impetuosity about Dr. Curtis in debate, 
still no man ever observed the decorum of debate more strictly than 
he did. None ever paid more deference to the age and standing of a 
competitor. With all his singularity of manner, however, he soon 
ingratiated himself into the favor of the Association. So if you were 
present at any meeting and see Dr. Curtis ride up, you would see 
directly the people begin to gather round him to hear his rich sug- 
gestions rnd amusing anecdotes, that we ul.'d till of things that prin- 
cipally took place in England. Tcwarel. young ministers he was 
really a father in Israel. I have thought he knew more of the value 
of learning, and the uses to be made of it, than any man I ever saw.' 7 
STANDING DELEGATES. 

The question of representation in the Association was 
again agitated by Buck Creek, Buffalo, Providence and Mac- 
edonia ; that each church be entitled to two delegates, and 
one for every fifty of increase, exclusive of ordained ministers. 

An Old Minister. — The demise of Elder Joshua Rich- 
ards, a very old preacher, is noticed in the Minutes of this 
session. (See biography.) 

The session of 1847 was held at Zoar church, Cleveland 
county, 1ST. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by 
Elder Thomas Dixon, of Antioch. Shelby and Ephesus 
churches were admitted into the union, making 33 in all, 
with a membership of 3002. 



6S BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The body was organized by the election of Elder Drury 
Serugg, Moderator, and Bro. John R. Logan, Clerk. 

Queries. — The following queries were taken up for con- 
sideration : 

1. "What is the proper course to be pursued by a church in rela- 
tion to members who remain two or three years at a remote distance, 
and do not apply for letters of dismission ?" 

Answer. "The church holding the membership of such should 
use a discretionary power as to their retention or exclusion." 

2. "Are ministers of the Gospel authorized to receive and baptize 
members when sent to labor in distant parts of the world, where no 
church members lire present?" 

Answer. "Ministers of the Gospel may receive and baptize mem- 
bers in pursuance of our Lord's commission to His Apostles (Mark 
vi. 15, 16,) when sent to labor among the heathen ; but it is inexpedi- 
ent now, as a general rule in a land of churches and church mem- 
bers, to practice such a course except in very extreme cases." 

3. "Is it right to hold in fellowship those who patronize dancing 
schools, or go themselves, or accompany their families, or those un- 
der their care or charge?" Answer. "Xo." 

Catawba Valley. — In pursuance of a petition from 
Hebron church, in the Catawba valley, Eiders Wade Hill 
and W. B. Padgett were appointed to labor monthly with 
said church and make report to the next associational meet- 
ing. 

Fast Day. — This session of the body was held during 
the pendency of the war between the United States and the 
Republic of Mexico, and the first day of January was set 
apart as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer for the bles- 
sings of peace, and that the dire calamities of war might be 
averted. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Micajah C. Barnett, of Cedar Springs church, on the 
Unpardonable Sin. 

Memorial Sermon. — The Association while in session 
appointed Elder James M. Webb to preach on the Sabbath 
an associational funeral sermon in memory of Elder Drury 
Dobbins, who died during the past associational year which 
appointment he accepted and filled in the presence of a large 
concourse of people gathered at the stand. As being very 
appropriate we quote the remarks of Elder Micajah C. Bar- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. B9 

nett, in his history of the Association bearing on this matter. 
He says : 

"And now I suppose Bro. Webb never had abetter scope for his 
imagination to play in, and never had his feelings wrought up to 
such an intense anxiety as on this occasion." 

Elder Webb as a preacher was certainly the Apollos of 
our day, at least in this country. The structure of his mind 
was different from that of Elder Dobbins, for while Dobbins 
never advanced an idea without first examining all the evi- 
dence by which it was sustained, as well as the objections 
that might be raised against it, Webb seemed not to have 
time to wait for such a thorough examination of the evi- 
dences that bore upon the subject. His imagination was 
lively, and as soon as he had caught an idea he was immedi- 
ately in search for another. Hence, as a debater, he was 
more than a match for Dobbins. The vivacity of his mind 
and the rapidity of his utterance, perplexed and sometimes 
silenced his more venerable competitor. Yet no two men 
over regarded each other with more excessive fondness than 
they did. On that Sabbath day thousands of people assem- 
bled around the stand in the grove, impatiently awaiting the 
hour of service. After singing and that prayer which seem- 
ed to take hold on the horns of the altar, he read his text : 
"My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horse- 
men thereof! and he saw him no more." — 2 Kings ii. 12. 
Think of such a man as Webb, with such a text as this, to 
preach the funeral of Drury Dobbins before the Broad River 
Association, of which he had been a member for forty-seven 
years — the guide of its counsels ! 

He commenced his sermon by presenting a singular 
combination of the historical and textual parts of his dis- 
course. He then proceeded to illustrate his subject and en- 
force its claims in view of the occasion on which he spoke. 
The congregation was soon melted bv his pathos and the 
clearness of his thoughts, and were prepared to weep tears 
like "dew drops" when the preacher turned half round from 
the book-board, threw himself a little back, raising his hands 
and his eyes, and in one of those exclamations for which he 
was inimitable, said : "Oh, Dobbins ! dost thy sainted spirit 
this da}' witness our feeble efforts to honor thy sacred mem- 



70 BUG A D KI VEK BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

ory ? Art thou with the man that returned and smote the 
waters of Jordan with the mantle, saying: 'Where is the 
Lord God of Elijah?'' 7 Every spirit felt suhdued before 
him, and for thirty minutes more he lifted them up or let 
them down, at his will, no man resisting him. 

Bro. Webb was at home on all such occasions as this., 
and really the character of his mind and of his feelings, the 
liveliness of his imagination, the symphony of his tones, com- 
bined with an easy deportment in the pulpit, rendered him 
irresistible. 

As an evidence of the power of his pulpit oratory, the 
following incident is cited :. Two men of bad morals were 
one day talking rather slightly of the excitement in a large 
congregation the day before, produced by one of Webb's 
sermons. One said to the other,, reproachfully, "I think I 
saw you crying." "Yes," was the reply, "but that man. 
Webb can make the devil cry !" 

I have seen him sometimes, on large occasions, come 
down out of the stand to invite mourners to the anxious seat, 
and, by a -flow of his eloquence for ten minutes, he would 
put the whole congregation literally in motion, — christians 
shouting, mourners praying, and all over the congregation, 
here and there, the voice would be heard, "Lord,, save, or I 
perish !" 

In person, Bro. Webb was six feet high, slender, and 
rather slovenly in his appearance. His nose was rather of 
the Grecian style, Ids hair, eye-brows and eye-lashes jet 
black, the latter being remarkably long. His eyes were 
dark, and possessed a penetrating brilliancy that is rarely 
seen. 

ASSOCIATIO^AL NOTICE. 

Elders James M. Webb, Drury Scruggs, Micajah C. 
Barnett, Wade Hill and Ransom V. Logan were appointed 
a committee to prepare a suitable obituary notice and tribute 
of respect to the life and character of Elder Drury Bobbins, 
deceased, late of Sandy Run church, Rutherford county, 
N. C, who reported on Monday as follows : 

Resolved, That with feelings of deep anguish we chronicle the de- 
parted worth of our beloved and much esteemed, venerable brother, 



BBOAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 71 

Elder Drury Dobbins, whose successful labors in the ministry for nioi e 
than forty years, sanctioned by a life of the most exemplary piety, 
has imprinted in our affections that memory which we fondly cher- 
ish, while his loss to us touches everything of painful sensibility. 
But let us not sorrow as others that have no hope, for if we believe 
that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus 
will God bring with Him. He departed this life May 19th, 1847, 
aged 72 years. 

Remarks. — Elder Dobbins was in the session of 1846 at 
Macedonia, the last he ever attended, and was tendered the 
chair of the Moderator by a unanimous vote of the body. 
He however declined acceptance. At the session of 1845 
-at Philadelphia he had failed to put in an appearance (that 
church was remotely situated from his home,) and he was 
becoming old and infirm, too much so to ride in the saddle — 
which was his usual habit — so great a distance, and he some 
time previous to the meeting of 1844 at Providence, said to 
us: "If your church (Zoar) will send a petition for the next 
session of the body, I will speak for it, and we shall proba- 
bly have the next session nearer to us." The petition was 
sent as requested, and he did try to prevail on the body for 
•once to ignore their union meeting rule, and grant the peti- 
tion of the Zoar church. But Elder James M. Webb and 
some others agreed "it would be establishing a precedent 
that would not work well, and therefore the Association 
should rigicllj 7 adhere to the rule that had so long governed 
the body." But in much candor, considering all the circum- 
stances of the case, the age, past services of the veteran min- 
ister, remote distance from his home, together with the fact 
that associational bodies have a clear right to regulate their 
own sittings, we think they should not have snubbed him as 
they did. We are not surprised that he was somewhat 
offended, and did not ride all the way to Philadelphia the 
next session. Doubtless many of the brethren were as bad 
hurt as he was when he failed to attend the next session. It- 
was the only session he had ever failed to attend since his 
connection with the Association. 

ELDER BARNETT's STATEMENT. 

As Elder Barnett, the historian, has noticed this matter, 
we will give his statement in our work. He says : 

"At this meeting rather an unhappy debate sprang up between 



72 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

old Bro. Dobbins and J. M. Webb and others, which resulted not 
very pleasantly. The state of the ease was simply this: The union 
meeting, which had been entrusted with that business, decided 
that the next Association should be held with Philadelphia church. 
Zoar church had sent a very earnest petition that the Association 
should convene with them. Bro. Dobbins was strongly in favor of 
Zoar's petition, while the other side was in favor of the decision of 
the union meeting, principally because it was in accordance with 
rule. The old preacher pleaded hard for his "little sister Zoar," and 
proved himself to be a good advocate, possessing something of the 
spirit of Moses, w 7 hen he interceded for Israel ; that is, that he had 
rather die than not succeed. He was rapid, loud and pathetic, while 
the other side w.as equally in earnest and all against him Webb r 
who took the lead, and was very impetuous, and perhaps with a lit- 
tle too much disregard for the feelings of his elder brother, wounded 
the sensibilities of Dobbins badly. The vote was taken and decided 
almost unanimously against Dobbins. This hurt him so much that 
he could not get over it enough to meet with the Association the 
next year, although every pains was taken to soothe him. Immedi- 
ately after taking the vote he said, with emphasis : You have got the 
Association, but you will not get me /" He afterward said had it not 
been for that expression which he uttered hastily, he would have 
met with the body the next year. However, after one meeting of 
the body intervened he came to the next, and all w T as right. The 
Association cast, a unanimous vote for him for Moderator, showing 
him that he was still the beloved Dobbins; and Webb, having 
already made reconciliation with him, the thing was forgotten. I 
am not prepared to say that this dissension served to the same pur- 
pose as that between Paul and Barnabas ; that is, to the furtherance 
of the Gospel. Dobbins seems to have taken the wrong side of the 
question, but he depended upon the potency of his influence in the 
Association to carry his points. His principal hurt with Webb was 
that he had wielded his influence against him (he belonging to an- 
other body,) and told Webb while he was in a pet that he (Webb) 
was the bell sheep of the whole hang. Webb laughed and said, "1 
was only contending for rule, Bro. Dobbins, and not against you as 
an individual." 

Elder Dobbins was obviously jealous of the rising pop- 
ularity of Elder Webb. He (Dobbins) bad for a long series 
of years wielded a very potent influence in the Broad River 
Association, — bad generally carried points his own way. 
That way, however, was generally acquiesced in because he 
scarcely ever failed in being right. If supposed even by any 
one to be wrong, they could not muster up the courage to 
oppose him. 

When Elder "Webb become connected with the Associ- 



BROAD RIVER BArTIST ASSOCIATION. 73 

ation lie was fresh from the legislative halls of his State, 
where he had doubtless acquired not only an aptitude but a 
fondness for debate. It was very natural, therefore, that he 
being in a deliberative body of a different character would 
embrace evary opportunity he could catch, to distinguish 
himself, by making a display of the talent he possessed, and 
in doing this had on more than one or two occasions opposed 
the views of Elder Dobbins ; hence his jealousy. 

In this connection we will mention a little incident 
where these two brethren were parties. After Elder Webb 
had been ordained a minister he was engaged by a young 
man to solemnize the rites of matrimony between him and 
his affianced. Elder Dobbins was also invited by the father 
of the bride to be present on the occasion of the marriage, to 
eat dinner ; and as had been the officiating priest on several 
, marriage occasions previously in that family, and as the father 
was one of his deacons he entertained no other thought but 
that he was to solemnize the rites as he had formerly done. 
On the day of the marriage he was a little behind time, but 
the dinner was kept ^ back until he would arrive. At last 
that notable riding mare of his was seen approaching in the 
distance. The marriage, however, had been now celebrated 
by Elder Webb, and on the arrival of Elder Dobbins he was 
first waited on courteously by that brother, and regrets made 
known that he could not make it convenient to arrive a little 
sooner, as he teas just in time to be a little too late. — the marriage 
rcas over. So great was the mortification of Elder Dobbins 
on being so informed, that he mounted that mare at once 
and took the most direct route for his home, without waiting 
for his dinner, or for an explanation that we presume would 
have been every way satisfactory. He took it for granted 
that he had been supplanted and made a dupe of by Elder 
Webb, and he could not brook so great an insult, and there- 
fore left immediately. Finding out afterwards how it was, 
he was compelled to acknowledge that he acted in hot haste, 
and completely stultified himself. 

Elder Drury Dobbins was a great favorite of the people, 
— married more couples, preached more funeral sermons, had 
more name-sakes, and preached the Gospel for less money 
10 



74 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

(it is said he preached for Sandy Run church forty years or 
more for about as many dollars,) and was less complained of 
than any other living man of his time. But notwithstanding 
all this he had his foibles to combat, just as other mortals 
have in this world of imperfection, and no one was more 
ready to acknowledge it than he was. But take him "all in 
all" there were few men equal to Drury Dobbins. 

The session of 1848 convened at Buffalo church, York 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by 
Elder John G. Kindrick, of Pacoletchureh. Boiling Springs, 
Mount Sinai and Bethel churches were admitted into the 
union — making 36 in all, with a membership of 1630. There 
were during the year 291 baptisms. 

A Eevival. — The churches at Boiling Springs, Xew 
Bethel, Double Springs, Zion, Zoar, Providence, Sandy Run, 
Buffalo and Bethlehem appeared to be the recipients of the 
revival outpouring. 

The body organized by the election of Elder Drury 
Scruggs, Moderator, and Bro. John R. Logan, Clerk. 

Queries. — The following queries from Philadelphia and 
Cedar Springs churches were taken up for consideration : 

1. "Is it right and compatible with Baptist principles for a church 
to have an independent standing delegation ?" 

Answer by the body. "No." 

2. "Is it consistent with the Scriptures, and the Constitution of 
the Broad River Association for ministers to be standing delegates ?" 

Answer. "No." 

THE REPRESENTATION QUESTION. 

A petition from Friendship church, asking for the recon- 
sideration of the 13th Article of the Minutes of 1846, upon 
the subject of representation, was taken up, and after some 
discussion by members of the body, a motion was made to 
strike out the words "exclusive of their ordained ministers,' 7 
and adopt the following resolution : 

Bcsolved, That each church of which this body is composed, 
having a membership not exceeding fifty in number, shall be enti- 
tled to two delegates ; and for every excess of fifty members above 
that number, one more additional delegate shall be allowed, which 
was carried. 

Remarks. — It will here be seen that our brethren were 
greatly exercised about a matter which seems to us rather of 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 7-3 

a trivial nature, which, however, had been agitated by some 
for several of the previous sessions. They seem to have en- 
tertained fears of the destruction of our democratic system 
of representation, or the rising power and influence of the 
ministry, when made independent of the voice or suffrages 
of the laity. 

The matter of church representation us it. originally 
seems to have existed (admitting the ministers as independ- 
ent or standing delegates,) caused some jealousy in the minds 
of some brethren from the time Ephesus or Limestone 
Springs church was admitted into the Association. The 
membership of Ephesus was only eight persons, and either 
two or three of those were ministers. Now the point of 
complaint was that the large church of Buffalo (for illustra- 
tion) having a membership of 300, would have less repre- 
sentative weight than Ephesus, which had only eight, by 
reason of the number of ministerial delegates in the latter, 
while Buffalo had no ministerial delegate at all. If the As- 
sociation was a legislative body with power to enact oppress- 
ive laws, to the detriment of some of the churches — while 
others might by partiality be favored — then there would be 
some plausible ground for complaint ; but as the Association 
is only an advisary council, and not a legislative body at all, 
it makes no difference as to what number of delegates they 
send, so that they prove to be wise and sensible ones. 

A Disorderly Minister. — A resolution cautioning the 
churches to beware of one J. Q. Barber, who has been offi- 
ciating as a Baptist preacher in disorder, within the bounds 
of this Association, was adopted, and ordered to be spread 
on the Minutes of the session. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Drury Scruggs, of State Line church, being a synop- 
sis of the life and character of Elder Drury Dobbins, deceased. 

The session of 1849 was held at Cedar Springs church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder Drury Scruggs. Salem and Mount Pleas- 
ant churches were admitted — making a union of 38 in all, 
and a membership of 2835. 

The body organized by electing Elder Drury Scruggs, 
Moderator, and Bro. John R. Logan, Clerk. 



76 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

DISSOLVING A CHURCH. 

A petition from an aggrieved minority from Bethel 
church, asking the Association to dissolve her, engaged the 
attention of the hod}-, bringing out considerable discussion 
as to the jurisdiction and powers of an Association in suc,h 
cases, which petition was finally rejected as irrelevant. 
missionary's report. 

Elder "Wade Hill made a verbal report of his mission to 
Hebron church of rather a discouraging nature, and a motion 
"was made to discontinue the service, which was carried. 

SABBATH SCHOOLS. 

A resolution recommending Sabbath Schools to the 
consideration and patronage of the several churches, was 
adopted. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was written by Elder 
Thomas Curtis, on Baptism, as to mode, subject and manner, 
and more especially in reference to those Paul found at Ephesus. 
(See biography of Dr. Curtis.) 

The session of 1850 met at Buck Creek church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The sermon was delivered by Elder 
John S. Ezell, of Buck Creek. Broad River church was ad- 
mitted — making 39 churches in union ; baptized since last 
session, 226. Aggregate membership, 2945. 

The body organized by electing Elder Thomas Curtis, 
Moderator, and Micajah C. Barnett, Clerk. 

Fast Day. — The following was adopted ; 
Whereas, The Governors of North and South Carolina have 
requested the citizens of these States, respectively, to observe days 
of humiliation and prayer, in view of the threatening aspect of our 
public affairs. Therefore < 

Resolved, That the delegates here present will use their influ- 
ence and endeavors to secure compliance with the request thus made 
among the churches composing this Association. 

Resolved, That the delegates of this Association recommend 
their churches to consider the state of the destitute regions of the 
country around us, and send their free will offerings to the next As- 
sociation to support such domestic missions as may meet that desti- 
tution. 

Resolved, That this body consider it expedient at the present 
time to send some preacher to assist Bro. Hill in those destitute sec- 
tions of our country where he labors. 

Elder Micajah C. Barnett being nominated, accepted 



BUOAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 77 

the appointment, and dollars were immediately collect- 
ed for this object. 

Elders Thomas Dixon and Joseph Suttlc, as ordained 
ministers, appeared at this session ; and Brethren R„ E. and 
G. W. Rollins, as licentiates, also made their first appearance 
in the Association. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Thomas Curtis, on Christian Communion, The letter 
on Baptism, m\d this on Christian Communion, united to- 
gether, make a neat little book, which should be preserved 
and kept for future references. 

The session ot 1851 was held at Sandy Run church, 
Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory sermon was de- 
livered by Elder Thomas Dixon, of Zion church. Beaver 
Dam and Pleasant Hill churches were admitted into the 
union — making 41 churches, with a membership of 3812. 

A Revival. — Several of the churches during the past 
year were greatly blessed with revivals, and there were 798 
additions by baptism. 

The body organized by electing Elder Drury Scruggs, 
Moderator, and Bro. John R. Logan, Clerk. 

Query. — The following query was taken up from Corinth 
church: 

"Hasa regular organized Baptist church the right to open her 
doors for Ihe reception of members at any time while her pastor or 
supply is absent?" 

Answer. "A church has the right to do so, but it is a very desi- 
rable thing to have the pastor or supply present on such occasions.' 
A PETITION FOR LETTERS OP DISMISSION. 

Several of the churches of the Broad River Association 
situate on the north side of the State line, dividing North 
and South Carolina, through the influence and advice of 
Elder Drury Dobbins, had been for several years agitating 
the question of dividing the Association by the formation of 
a new body; and at this session, Buffalo, Sand}' Run, Zoar, 
Double Springs, Bethel, Boiling Springs, Mount Sinai, New 
Bethel, Mount Pleasant, Broad River, Beaver Dam and 
Pleasant Hill applied for letters of dismission, for the pur- 
pose of carrying out this object. (Wolf's Creek was also 
dismissed to join another body.) 



78 BROAD UT VER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Remarks. — The letters of dismission were granted, as a" 
matter of course, still there was a lurking unwillingness man- 
ifested by some of the most prominent brethren of the old 
body to encourage the formation of a new Association, 
These brethren urged the propriety of holding together, so 
as to build up what they called a strong body. And so cha- 
grined were they at the turn things were taking that, by a 
vote of the house, they decided that the dismissed churches 
had no longer, through their delegates, any right to partici- 
pate in the deliberations of the body during the present 
session, only in .the character of invited messengers, and 
proceeded to elect Elder Micajah C. Barnett to act as Clerk, 
vice John R. Logan, of the Zoar church, dismissed. This 
strange proceeding was not characterized by a spirit of court- 
esy, nor did it have the sanction of any former precedent. 

When several of the Broad River churches were dis- 
missed in 1833 to aid in the formation of the Tyger River 
body, Elder John W. Lewis, of Mount Zion church, was 
Clerk of the Association, and continued to act in that capac- 
ity until the adjournment. And the Mount Zion church, 
although dismissed de facto, had the privilege of sitting and 
voting until the close of the session, when her papers were 
delivered to her. The same course was taken in regard to 
the formation of the Green River body in 1841. Elder Jas. 
M. Webb, of High Shoals church, was Clerk of the Associ-j 
ation, but continued to act (as i did Dr. Lewis) until the ad- 
journment. And the High Shoals church, just as the Mount 
Zion church did, continued to take parr in the deliberations 
of the body until the close of the session. But notwith- 
standing the old mother body was even then sitting within 
the bounds of the contemplated new body, occupying one of 
their meeting houses and enjoying their hospitality, yet she 
disfranchised them in the face of the precedents above cited. 
We are willing, however, to concede that it was only an 
error of the head and not of the heart, — an error however 
that not one individual of the Broad River Association would 
now attempt to justify or palliate, so great was the blunder. 

Remodeled. — The body now being in working order, 
under the new regime, proceeded to take up a collection for 



BBOAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 79 

Foreign missions, and Bro. A. K. Durham was appointed a 

messenger to bear the same to the Baptist State Convention 
of South Carolina. 

IGNORING THE WANDERING PILGRIM. 

The following was then adopted : 

"Inasmuch as there is a stranger among us who calls himself 
J. Alonzo Webb, and a Baptist minister, and inasmuch as we are, 
■accused by other denominations of holding a man among us who is 
occasionally calling them fools, liars, rogues and hypocrites, with 
many other hard and slanderous names ; therefore 

Resolved, That we, as a body, take no responsibility on ourselves 
■as to the conduct or ministerial character of said man, but advise 
our churches to mark the man that causes divisions, and keep no 
company with him." 

The Circular Letter, prepared by Elder M. C. Barnett, 
* on the nature of a call to the ministry , and the duty of the churches 
to their gifted brethren, was adopted. 

When the body met on Monday, it was very evident 
that a relenting had taken place in the minds of the brethren 
in regard to the rash and unprecedented action of Saturday. 
The first act of the body after prayer was the adoption of a 
motion that "the delegates present of those chnrches which 
were dismissed on Saturday, be invited to a participation in 
our deliberations." The brethren, however, had mostly left 
for their homes. 

Conciliatory. — The following resolution was then offer- 
ed to the body and adopted : 

Resolved, That a number of our churches having found it con- 
venient to establish among ourselves a new Association, and asked 
for and received regular letters of dismission from this body, we part 
from those churches with feelings of fraternal regard, and invite 
them, when constituted, to reciprocate with us the usual correspond- 
ence and interchange of such associations." 

Remarks, — The foregoing resolution being doubtless 
tendered in a good spirit was, at the proper time, accepted 
as a sufficient amende honorable, and reciprocated by the new- 
body immediately after its organization. 

THE WANDERING PILGRIM. 

We will add a word in regard to J. Alonzo Webb, who 
was sometimes called the "Wandering Pilgrim ;" — haled, we 
believe, from the Lakes of Canada ; was a native Englishman ; 
had first been a Methodist, but discovering his error in regard 



SO BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

to the mode and subjects of baptism, he became a Baptist 
minister, and appears to have come to the conclusion that it 
was his special mission to set the whole of Christendom "to* 
rights" in regard to the mooted question of Baptism. That 
was the theme of nearly all his discourses. He carried with 
him a Greek Testament and several Lexicons, and could 
read the original Greek and Hebrew languages fluently. 
He challenged the Pedo-Baptist world to meet him in debate; 
and during his sojourn in this part of the country he had a 
public discussion with a Lutheran minister y but we have not 
been informed that he succeeded in convincing the latter of 
his error. He had a faculty for attracting large crowds of 
people to hear him 7 and his harangues were generally of two 
or three hours' duration. He succeeded in making numer- 
ous converts, and baptized large numbers of his hearers. 
He traveled generally on foot, and appeared to be poor and 
destitute, and completely indifferent about ministerial sup- 
port. When last heard from he was in California disputing 
with a Mormon Elder. 



CHAPTER IIL 

NOTICES' OF THE DIFFERENT SESSIONS OF THE BROAD RIVER ASSOCI- 
ATION, FROM THE SESSION OF 1851; IN WHICH YEAR THE KING'S 
MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION WAS ORGANIZED, UP TO THE 

SESSION OF 1882, AT GRASSY POND CHURCH. 

The session of 1852 met at Antioch church, York coun- 
ty, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder 
Wade Hill, of Capernaum church. The union consisted of 
27 churches ; membership, 2379. 

The body was organized by electing Elder Wade HilL 
Moderator, and Elder Micajah C. Barnett, Clerk. 

Resolutions.— The following resolutions were adopted : 

Resolved, That Bro, W. Hill be appointed our Domestic Mission- 
ary in York District, and that we give him dollars per day 

to the extent of the funds in hand. 

Resolved. That having had at this Association especial informa- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 8L 

tion as to portions of our bounds destitute of Baptist preaching, 
we therefore recommend to our churches to enable us to supply 
these portions, by sending to our next Association their liberal, free 
will offerings for Domestic Missions. 

Bro. William Roberts was made a depository for any 
funds sent up for missionary purposes. 

Long Creek church was dismissed, at her request, to 
join another association. 

The Circular Letter addressed to the churches was pre- 
pared by Elder Micajah C. Barnett, on Humiliation and 
Prayer. 

The session of 1853 met at Friendship church, Spartan- 
burg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered 
by Elder Micajah C. Barnett, of Cedar Springs church. 

Enon, a new church, was admitted, — making a union of 
26 churches and a membership of 2292. 

Elder Wade Hill was elected Moderator, and Elder Alex- 
ander J. Cansler, Clerk. 

After the usual appointment of committee, &c, the fol- 
lowing was adopted : 

Whereas, There is in our midst a Missionary Society, known 
as the Broad River Society. Therefore 

Resolved, That this Association intrust to them all the monies 
belonging to this body, or shall hereafter belong to it, for missionary 
purposes, to be appropriated at their discretion, and that the mis- 
sionary operations of this body be also intrusted to them, and that 
they have permission to hold their annual meetings at some conve- 
nient time at each session of this Association ; to have a sermon 
preached on the Sabbath, and take up a collection for the benefit of 
Missions; provided, that the said society do annually report to the 
Association all the proceedings, and that they continue to recom- 
mend to the churches to send up their free will offerings by their 
delegates to the Association. 

Leave was then granted to the Broad River Society to 
hold its annual meeting in the meeting house. 
The following resolutions were adopted, viz : 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are due, and are 
hereby tendered, to Bro. Thomas Curtis, D. D., for the labor so kindly 
bestowed (in compliance with the request of this body at its last an- 
nual session) at Yorkville, York District, S. C. ; and that the breth- 
ren and friends in that community aid him in strengthening and 
establishing a church in that place. 

Resolved, further, That Bro. Curtis be requested to continue his 
ministerial labors among that people. 
11 



82 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

DISTILLING AND VENDING ARDENT SPIRITS. 

Resolved, That in the opinion of this Association the practice of 
distilling and vending ardent spirits promiscuously, is immoral and 
injurious to the religious prosperity of the community at large, and 
therefore ought by all prudent ways to be discountenanced by the 
churches composing this body. 

SABBATH SCHOOLS. 

Resolved, That we recommend to the churches in our union that 
they will take into consideration the great importance of Sabbath 
Schools, and that we urge the necessity of each church establishing 
a school for itself. 

Resolved, That our churches be affectionately requested to report 
to the next Association their success, the number of their scholars, 
how often they meet, the name of their superintendent, and the 
number of books. 

Resolved, That Elder W. Curtis be requested to write an address 
on the subject of Sabbath Schools to the members of the Baptist 
churches, and have it published in the "Carolina Intelligencer." 

Resolved, That our beloved Bro. Cansler, having commenced 
the publication of a weekly religious paper at Shelby, N. C, advo- 
cating the doctrine and practices of our churches, we especially re- 
commend his enterprise, with every expression of confidence, to 
their most favorable notice, and affectionately urge upon them to 
support it. 

The Circular Letter was prepared by Elder W. Curtis, 
on the Final Perseverance of the Saints. , The letter is an able 
document. 

FREE WILL OFFERINGS, 

Resolved, That the churches in our union are affectionately re- 
quested to send up their liberal free will offerings to our next Asso- 
ciation, to aid in continuing our promising and most important mis- 
sionary operations at home and abroad. 

The session of 1854 met at Goucher Creek church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was deliv- 
ered by Elder Jno. G. Kendrick, of Pacolet church. Union 
was admitted into the confederacy of churches, making 26 
in all ; membership, 2325. 

The body organized by electing Elder Drury Scruggs, 
Moderator, and Micajah C. Barnett, Clerk. 

After the appointment of committees, &c, Bro. Pasley, 
the agent of Furman University, had leave to present the 
claims of the University. His speech was kindly responded 
to by Bros. Curtis and Scruggs, and the following resolution 
adopted. 

Resolved, That having heard the claims of the Furman Univer- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 83 

slity upon us. we are satisfied they are important, and would affec- 
tionately commend them to the attention of our brethren. 

Remarks. — We have been looking for responses to the 
series of resolutions adopted at the last session in regard to 
Sabbath School matters, &c 3 but we discover nothing min- 
uted. We hope there has been an awakening in the old 
mother body on those important resolutions. 

The Circular Letter, prepared by Elder A. J. Cansler, 
on the Fellowship of Churches, was adopted. 

The session of 1855 met at Shelby, Cleveland county, 
X. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder 
Micajah C. Barnett, of Cedar Springs church. The church 
at Rutherfordton was admitted into the union, making 27 
in all ; membership, 2352. 

The body was organized by the choice of Elders Drury 
Scruggs, Moderator, and Micajah C. Barnett, Clerk. 

Queries. — After the usual routine of appointments, &c, 
the body took up the following queries from Cedar Springs 
church : 

1. "Is it agreeable to the Scriptures and Baptist usage for one 
member to go to law with another, without first laying the case be- 
fore the church, when time and opportunity will admit of it?" 
Answer. "No." 

"Can we fellowship members of the Baptist church who engage 
in buying or selling lottery tickets ?" Answer. "No." 

Temperance. — The following resolution was adopted : 
Besolved, That in the opinion of this Association the practice of 
making, vending, or using as a beverage, ardent spirits, is repugnant 
to the spirit of the Gospel. Therefore we advise our churches to 
lake active measures in putting it down. We further advise our 
churches not to ordain any man to the office of a minister or deacon 
who practices any of the above, or entertains the opin ion that the 
above is consistent with the Word of God. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Wm. Curtis, on the Correlative Duties of Churches and 
Ministers. 

Courtesies. — The body voted resolutions of thanks to 
the Methodist brethren for the tender of their house of wor- 
ship, and to the brethren and citizens of Shelby for accom- 
modations and kindnesses during the session. 

SABBATH SCHOOLS. 

We give the report on Sabbath Schools, which seems to 
be intended as a response to the resolutions adopted two 
years ago : 



84 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Whereas, The Association a few years ago recommended the 

churches to institute Sabbath Schools in each of their bounds. Some 
few only have complied with this, while numbers of others have not 
as yet duly noticed the matter. This is not the place to argue the 
importance of Sabbath Schools at any length, but when we consider 
the destitution in some parts of the country of all the other means of 
grace, and that children and youth instead of being trained especial" 
ly on that day in good and pious habits, are sometimes running wild 
three Sabbaths in the month, at least, in every kind of idle deeds 
and mis-spent time. We would renew the attention of the churches 
to this subject, and recommend that they be requested with their 
letters of next year to send up an account whether there are any Sab- 
bath Schools in their midst, and what are their prospects. 

C. P. Petty, Chairman. 

Remarks. — The Broad River body seemed now to be 
taking the proper course to encourage the establishment of 
Sabbath Schools. The report of a committee is made to set 
forth properly the wants of the churches — where the matter 
can be well discussed, and urged upon the attendance of all, 
with the endorsement of the associate body published in its 
Minutes, to attract more attention and have greater weight 
than resolutions or essays published in newspapers, where 
very few will ever see or read what is intended for them. 
Good reports on the various objects of associational work 
often times does both the writer and the reader a large 
amount of good: the. writer is benefitted by exercising his 
mind or thoughts upon the subject matter of the report to 
be made — so as to bring out a full expose or discussion of 
the matter — while the reader is benefitted by an examination 
of the premises and the logical conclusions of the writer. 
By this his mind becomes influenced, and he sees at once 
the propriety of the measure advocated, and at once falls 
into line and endeavors to convince others of its propriety. 
Xo great measure was ever carried through a deliberative 
body successfully and permanently without full and free dis- 
cussion : and if Sabbath Schools, Temperance or Missions 
are ever properly inaugurated, it will be after there has been 
a proper ventillation and discussion of each. All may rest 
well assured of that. 

The session ot 1856 met at Sulphur Springs church, 
TTuion county, S. C. The introductory sermon was deliver- 
ed by Elder Wade Hill, of Capernaum church. Holly 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 83 

Springs, from Green River Association, was admitted into 
the union, making 28 in all; membership, *22C)3. 

Elected Elders Wade Hill, Moderator, and Micajah 0. 
Barnett, Clerk. 

Query. — After the transaction of the usual routine of 
business, the following query from Limestone Springs church 
was taken up : 

"Is it consistent with New Testament usages to hold annual 
•elections for pastors or supplies for our churches?" 

Answer. "The New Testament being silent on the subject, we 
believe it is the privilege and duty of the churches of this Associa- 
tion to elect their supplys or pastors as often as it should be thought 
advisable, for the peace and harmony of the church, and the con- 
vincing of sinners and turning them to repentance; and we believe 
each church should act for itself in its choice of pastor or supply." 

The Shelby church was dismissed to join the King's 
Mountain body. 

DISSOLUTIOX OF THE BROAD RIVER SOCIETY. 

Resolved, That the Broad River Association become a mission- 
ary body, and request the Broad River Missionary Society to merge 
itself into the same. 

Resolved, further, That Brethren James Ezell, B. B. Foster and 
J. W. Montgomery be appointed a committee to meet the Board ot 
the Broad River Missionary Society and, report on Monday next 
whether or not this arrangement can be effected. 

The committee appointed to confer with the Board, re- 
ported : that they recommend to that Society that they merge 
themselves into this body, and that the Society at its annual 
meeting pass the following resolution . 

Resolved, That this Society, deeply sensible of their indebted- 
ness to the Great Head of the Church, for the blessings He has be- 
stowed on the labors of this body during the ten years of its exist- 
ence; and yet. further, that He has put it into the hearts of the 
brethren of the Broad River Association to take upon themselves for 
the future the great work in which they have been engaged, do here- 
by comply with their request, and unite all their labors with them 
and hereby dissolve this Society, at the request of the Broad River 
Association. 

The committee further report, that they submit the fob 
lowing as the plan of operations of this body in its future 
missionary operations : 

1st. That this Association appoint annually seven brethren, a 
Recording and Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer, as a Board, 
to carry on its missionary operation^. 

2nd. That this board shall meet at least quarterly, and oftener if 



86 BROAD KI VER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

they see fit, to attend to this business; and that a majority of the 
Board be a quorum to do business. 

3d. That this Board be nominated by a committee appointed by 
the Moderator of the Association. 

4th. That a brother be elected annually to preach on the Lord's 
day, at the following meeting of the Association, a Missionary Ser- 
mon, and that afterwards a collection be taken up for missionary 
purposes. 

They further recommend the passage of the following : 

Resolved, That this Association affectionately and earnestly re- 
commend to the churches, ministers, and every member of the Bap- 
tist churches within its bounds, to do all in their power to further 
its missionary operations, and to contribute liberally to the support 
of its Domestic and Foreign Missions, and send up their funds to 
the Association by the delegates of the churches. All of which was 
adopted. 

THE RUTHERFORBTON CHURCH. 

Bro. T. Davis made a statement before the Association 
of the embarrassed state of the church at Rutherfordton, on 
account of a debt contracted in building of their new house 
of worship at that place. The delegates and friends present 
responded by raising eighty dollars and eighty cents in cash, 
and ten dollars in pledges. 

Correspondence. — The committee on Corresponding 
Minutes, reported : 

"We find nothing worthy of notice, except the report on Sab- 
bath Schools, in the Minutes of the Tyger River Association. They 
report sixteen Sabbath Schools in active operation within their 
bounds, and that in the many refreshing revivals with which nit st 
of their churches have been visited the last year, those with Sabbath 
Schools were peculiarly blessed, and very many Sabbath Scbxol 
scholars were among the converts. We recommend the Sabbath 
School operations especially to the churches of this body, and siho 
to our ministers, to urge the claims of such schools upon their re- 
spective churches." 

Remarks. — It seems the regularly appointed committee 
on Sabbath Schools again failed to make a report on this 
important subject. We are unable to know why it was so. 
The committee was an able one, from whom much was to 
be expected. If there w T as little Sunday School work being 
done, that is certainly no reason w T h} 7 there should not have 
been an able report showing w r hat ought to be done, and doing. 
Encouraging words should have been used to impress upon 
the minds of all the importance of the Sunday School work. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 87 

The Circular Letter to the churches was written by Elder 
Thomas Curtis, on the subject of Popery, and its probable tend- 
encies in the United States. 

Previous to adjournment the following was adopted : 
Resolved, That the churches composing this Association be affec- 
tionately requested to engage, as far as possible, in the work of Sab- 
bath School instruction ; and send up in their annual letters to this 
body an exact account of the number of volumes in their libraries, 
iind also the number of teachers and pupils in each school. 

The session of 1857 was held at Camp's Creek church, 
Cleveland county, E\ C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Elder Drury Scruggs, from Matt. v. 14. 

Mount Lebanon church was admitted into the union — ■ 
making 28 in all ; membership, 2448. There were 123 bap- 
tisms since the last session. 

The body elected Elder D. Scruggs, Moderator, and 
M. C. Barnett, Clerk. 

After the usual routine of association al business, the 
committee on Sabbath Schools reported briefly, as follows : 
We are gratified to learn that several of our churches have adopt- 
ed the resolution of our last year's Association in regard to Sabbath 
Schools, and send up the cheering news that the system works well, 
and has added greatly to the increase of religious interest, in many 
of the young people remembering their Creator in the days of their 
youth, and being hopefully converted to the blessed religion of our 
Lord. We recommend all the churches of this Association to estab- 
lish schools of this kind, and report to our next meeting all the facts 
in the case. T. Davis, Chairman. 

.Remarks. — We are glad to see that our old friend and 
brother, the above named chairman, having been a repre- 
sentative man in the legislature of his State some time pre- 
viously, was acting as foreman in endeavoring to inaugurate 
a good system of Sabbath Schools in the Broad River Asso- 
ciation. We hope that in the progress of this associational 
review r we shall find that his labors were not in vain. 

Finance. — In the absence of other associational matters 
at this session, we give the report of the committee on Fi- 
nance, in order to show the operations or labors of the body. 
The committee on Finance reported moneys sent up by the 

churches : 

For printing Minutes, $40.10. 

Foreign Missions.— Antioch church, $10; Limestone Springs, 
$17 ; Philadelphia, $1 ; J. W. McCravy, $10. Total, $38.00. 



S8 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Domestic Missions.— Philadelphia church, $7.6-5; Sulphur 
Springs, $4 ; J. W. McCravy, $2.50 ; Collection on the Sabbath, $43.70* 
Total for Domestic Missions, 157.85. Amount for all sources, $135.85. 
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF MISSIONS. 

The Executive Board of the Association made their re- 
port, which was adopted, and is as follows ; 

Your Board of Missions ask leave to report that they have done 
all in their power during the year past. They have met as often as 
there was anything to do. They wrote to Bros. Wade Hill and J. 
A. Hill, who could not serve; and applied to Bro. Ezell, but could 
get no one to labor. In paying Bro. Bruce, the Corresponding Sec- 
retary advanced twenty-one dollars, but the subscription of the 
churches to this mission was not pressed, as (excepting the above 
advance) there was no need. The Board has had, therefore, no funds 
to dispose of for Domestic Missions, It will be borne in mind that 
the funds contributed at the last Association w T ere given over to the 
Broad River Society, and included in their financial report to the 
Association. The fund raised for Foreign Missions was sent as di- 
rected. Tho. Curtis, Chairman. 

H. G, Gaffney, Secretary. 

Remarks. — It seems there was but little done in the way 
of missionary operations. The larger part ot the churches 
were doing nothing at all in the great work of evangelizing 
the world, and consequently the following resolution very 
properly comes in for discussion and adoption : 

Resolved, That we request our churches to make it an especial 
part of prayer to the Lord of the harvest, to send more laborers into 
His vineyard ; for the harvest is great, and the laborers are few ; and 
for an especial blessing on our Domestic Missions. 

The foregoing resolution, although very timely and 
proper, reminds us of a story we once heard of a lazy, un- 
thrifty papist, whose farm was rather in a dilapidated condi- 
tion, and in consequence of which the growing crop was 
likely to prove a failure. Believing greatly as he did in the 
power of the Priest to command all the necessary blessings 
of life, he called him to his fields to ofler up prayers in his 
behalf. lie took the Priest first to where the land was rich, 
but covered with weeds and grass (which may represent the 
Foreign Mission field ;) the Priest offered prayers as request- 
ed, but insisted on his parishoner to cultivate better with the 
plough and hoe. He then took his Priest to another field 
where the land was very poor, and overrun with noxious 
vines (which may represent the Domestic Mission field over- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 89 

run by the different denominations; and almost exhausted in 
their struggles to hold the ascendency,) the Priest after 
making a survey of this field said to his parishoner, "prayers 
will be of no avail here, the field is too much exhausted — 
nothing can grow here profitably to mankind until complete 
fertilization is attended to and the tield made more self- 
sustaining ; it is now a barren waste, and the laborer cannot 
expect to reap a harvest which will not grow upon its sur- 
face." Well did the Hills and Ezells, therefore, refuse en- 
gagements with the Board to cultivate a tield that would not 

Elder L. M. Berry. — The following resolution was 

adopted : 

Resolved, That Elder L. M. Berry, agent of the Board of Domes- 
tic and Indian Missions, have the opportunity immediately to pre- 
sent the claims of the Board before the congregation at the stand. 

Remarks. — It is not stated in the Minutes what success 
Bro. Berry met with. He had the reputation of being a 
good collector. We were riding with him once from a 
church where he had made a very close drive for moneys and 
did not succeed very well. As we were about to pass some 
persons in the road who had been at the meeting, Bro. Berry 
observed a man with his pocket book in his hand looking at 
its contents. "Said he to us, "I shall yet get some money 
from that man with his pocket book in his hand." It how- 
ever, did not happen that he did. We commenced teasing 
him about it, when he observed tint "he knew then the 
reason why the man was looking in his pocket book — he 
considered him (Berry) a wizard, and he feared that by some 
hocus-pocus maneuver he had got his money without his 
consent, and he was looking to see if he had." 

The Circular Letter to the churches was written by 
Elder Micajah C. Barnett, on the subject of Sabbath Schools, 
which was adopted. 

The session of 1858 met at Capernaum church, Cleve- 
land county, N. C. The introductory sermon was preached 
by Elder Micajah C. Barnett, from Heb. vi. 1. The union 
consists of 28 churches and a membership of 2905. Bap- 
tisms, 146. 

The body organized by electing Elder Wade Hill, Mod- 
erator, and MicajahC. Barnett, Clerk. 
12 



90 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Executive Board. — After the transaction of the usual 
course of business the body, through a nominating commit- 
tee, appointed Elders Tho. Curtis, Drury Scruggs, Jas. Ezell, 
J. G. GafThey, J. Byers, A. Bonner, and M. C. Barnett a 
Missionary Board; H. G. Gaffnev, Recording Secretary; 
AVm. Curtis, Corresponding Secretary; C. P. Petty, Treas- 
urer. We again give the report of the Finance committee : 

Money sent up from the churches for Minutes, $41.10. 

Antioch church, $9 ; Limestone Springs, $43.60; E.Thompson 
fori. M., $1; Collection on Sabbath, $49.20; balance in Treasurer's 
hands of last year, $95.85. Aggregate amount, $239.75. 
Here follows the report of the Board : 

In making our annual report, we can only with regret state in 
regard to the Home Mission, that while we have used all due efforts 
to obtain a Missionary and keep him in the field within the bounds 
of our Association during the past year, we have been unable to suc- 
ceed. We first made the appointment of Bro. L. M. Berry, with the 
alary of four hundred dollars for his entire time, and on conditions 
of locating within the field of his labors. He at first accepted and 
entered for a few days on his work, but afterwards retired and re- 
signed. Later in the season we appointed Bro. Gold, who at first 
accepted, but was unable when the time come to enter on the work. 
Could we have found suitable men. we should have found no diffi- 
culty in obtaining the means to support them. The work in this 
field is pressing. We ought to and we can keep one minister among 
our feeble churches and destitute parts of the country around us, 
But where to find the brother to go we have not known. For For- 
eign Missions, the Treasurer's report will show that we still have 
funds on hand for both fields. We have felt it unnecessary to ask 
the churches to contribute for the home field. The body appear to 
be doing very little indeed. 

Tho. Curtis, Chairman. 
SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 

"We give the action of the body this year in reference to 
Sabbath Schools. Last year we were hopeful, but we now 
become more despondent than ever. The committee on Sab- 
bath Schools reported : 

'•That we find a recommendation in the last Minutes that all the 
churches of this Association should establish schools of this kind, 
and report next year all the facts of the case. We find but one repor. 
of this nature has been sent up this year, viz: from Rutherfordtont 
In that church a school has been established and is doing well. We 
can only regret, therefore, that the recommendation of the Associa- 
tion has been so little attended to, and think if the Association con- 
tinue this recommendation, it will receive more attention the coming 
year. Thomas Curtis, Chairman." 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 91 

On motion, the recommendation of last year was con- 
tinued, and we await with anxiety to see to, what purpose. 
It would seem that Sabbath schools had not yet received the 
proper impetus to drive them forward. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was written by Elder 
Thomas Curtis, on the proper- observance of the Sabbath by our 
churches and people. 

The 59th session met at Gilead church, Union county, 
S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder 
Wade Hill, from Psalms xxvii. 14. Mount Zion church was 
admitted into the body, making a union of 29 churches and 
a membership of 2559. 

The Association organized bv electing Elders Wade Hill, 
Moderator, and Micajah C. Barnett, Clerk. 

After appointing committees on the different objects of 
associational labor, the committee on Sabbath schools re- 
ported : 

That the history of the past has abundantly tested the value and 
blessedness of this institution. We would that our brethren knew 
some of the glorious results of Sabbath school labors. These interests 
have never flourished as much as we could desire in our midst. 
Even now there is not, perhaps, a flourishing Sabbath school in our 
bounds. Dear Brethren, does it not become us to enquire why this 
, sad deficiency ? Doubtless many of our brethren lack information 
in this matter. Information is needed in reference to the best man- 
ner of organizing and conducting Sabbath schools. To this end your 
committee recommend the following: "The Children's Friend," a 
periodical devoted to Sabbath school interests, published at Nash- 
ville, Tenn., should be patronized by us. Books suitable for Sabbath 
schools and Sabbath school laborers, may also be had directly from 
our Southern Publication Society, located at Charleston, S. C. The 
Bjard of Sabbath schools of the State Convention proposes to send 
out an agent to visit all the churches in the State, and labor for the 
promotion of Sabbath school interests. We should invite this agent 
into our bounds. Wm. Curtis, Chairman. 

Remarks. — The foregoing report is a suggestion or move 
in the right direction, and if followed up will soon be instru- 
mental in establishing the Sabbath school interests in the 
several churches of the Association. 

Dr. Thomas Curtis.— On the 29th of January last of 
the present year, Elder Thomas Curtis perished in the flames 
of the ill-fated steamer, "North Carolina," passing from Bal- 
timore to Norfolk. This was a sad loss, not only to the 



92 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Broad River Association, of which he was a worthy member 
and shining lii>'ht to the body, but in fact it was sensibly felt 
in the whole State of his adoption, both by the literary and 
religious classes of society. This being the first session of 
the body after his unfortunate demise, it was fitting and 
proper that some notice of his great worth, and a tribute of 
respect of a proper kind, be adopted and entered on the Min- 
utes of the session. The committee on Obituaries were 
therefore requested to procure the biographical sketch of his 
life, as read by Dr. Manly at Limestone Springs, on the oc- 
casion of his funeral sermon, which he preached there soon 
after his decease, which paper was obtained by the commit- 
tee and is published in this w\>rk as a part of the biographi- 
cal notice taken of Elder Curtis. 

The Circular Letter prepared by Elder John S. Ezell, 
on Personality, was adopted. 

The committee on Obituaries reported : 
''That the Association is called upon to pay an affectionate trib- 
ute of respect to the memories of our departed brethren, Deacon R 
Coleman, ot the church with which we are now meeting ; deacon R. 
Vaughn, of Friendship, and deacon E. Turner, of Buffalo church. 
They were all men who filled the office of a deacon well, "and pur- 
chased to themselves a good degree and great boldness in the faith." 
Following the example of the first Christians, while we %vould sym- 
pathize with those who weep over their loss, it becomes us thought- 
fully to recollect that the dove, the laurel and the crown are now the 
fitting emblems to be inscribed against their names; and that God 
has graciously in His good time delivered them from the sins and 
sorrows of this present evil world forever. The direct action of your 
body in adding to our Minutes a more extended account of the life 
and labors of our beloved and venerated father in the Gospel, Elder 
Thomas Curtis, D.D., is referred to as sufficient and appropriate in 
this matter. 

B. B. Foster, Chairman." 

See biographical notice of Dr. Thos. Curtis. 

Executive Boards. — We give the report for this year 
of the Missionary Board : 

Dear Brethren : — Tn making to you this our annual report, 
we cannot but mourn with you over the irreparable loss at present 
that we suffer, in that it has pleased the Great Head of the Church 
as being best in His sight to take from us our beloved and venerable 
brother and presiding officer. Constantly associated with him in 
this body, we may well bear tribute to the expanded benevolence, 
grea.n ,'ss of faith, uninterested energy and love for the souls of men. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 93 

with which he lias impressed our plans and exertions to spread 
abroad the saving knowledge of the Truth, as it is in Christ Jesus, 
Greatly in consequence of this, our meetings have not been held as 
regularly as they otherwise would have been. We appointed, how- 
ever, our brother J. Suttle to labor in the York Mission half of the 
year. He has only been able however to give a portion of this time 
— that is one Saturday and Sabbath a month at Union church — 
preaching generally on Sabbath evenings at Sardis, besides holding 
•a series of meetings with both these churches ; their meetings, not- 
withstanding, have been greatly blessed with the Divine favor. 
Bro. Suttle has received and baptized seven converts at Sardis and 
thirty-eight at Union. We trust the good work is still going on ; let 
us thank God and take courage- A commendable liberality has also 
been shown by the brethren and friends there, especially at Union, 
as will appear by reference to the report of the contributions given 
to the Financial committee. As the accommodations at Union are 
too limited, we are happy to learn and report to you that they are 
seriously talking of building a suitable meeting house, and that gen- 
erous contributions for this purpose have already been offered them. 
We have still a want of means in carrying on the great work, to the 
watchful care of which you have appointed us. We want laborers; 
prayer is wanted for laborers ; the fields are white, ready for the har- 
vest. The Treasurer's report, herewith submitted, will show that 
we have on hand a balance of §90.70, to meet our indebtedness to 
Bro. Suttle for his labors, without receiving any of the contributions 
that we are glad to see are being so liberally made by the churches 
at this present time ; We forward S1G8.70 for Foreign Missions, and 
trust the time may not be far distant when there will be a reforma- 
tion of our churches, laboring as a faithful minister of Christ, sent 
out and supported by us, and retaining his constant and stimulating- 
reports of (J od's blessing on his labors, shall be found both in the 
home and foreign field. Your Board is greatly encouraged by the 
feeling and interest manifested and growing among our churches ; 
and they confidently believe that in sustaining their missionary, in 
fostering and directing Sabbath school laborers, and in distributing 
books— and especially the best of all books — and in wisely consider- 
ing how the spiritual wants of our colored population may be prop* 
erlv and fully met, a greater work and one more sure immediately 
to reward your labors than you have been permitted heretofore to 
* nter upon, is before you for the ensuing year, 

H. G. Gaffxey, Secretary." 

C. P, PETTY, TREASURER'S REPORT: 

Collections from all sources $199.40 

Credit by money sent Foreign Missions 108.70 

Balance in hand $90.76 

Remarks. — The above is submitted merely to show what 
the Association was doing on the subject of Missions. In 
looking through the succeeding Minutes of the body we hope 

4 



04 tt ROA I) EI VEK BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

to find more being done in the Lord's vineyard. If we do» 
not, we shall deem it inexpedient to embody in our work 
any more reports of the Missionary Board, lest in doing so 
it might be alleged by the casual reader of these notices that 
we were indirectly poking fun at the old mother body. We 
however do not mean that. Doubtless the body was doing 
the best she could, considering the number of drones she 
had in the associational hive. Such, however 7 will be drop- 
ped out by the active workers after awhile, and then the 
products will be much greater. The missionary spirit and 
movement is certainly on the onward and upward march 
throughout the entire country, and we have good grounds 
now for hoping that all those now sitting in the "regions of 
darkness and in the shadow of death," will soon be blest 
with the glorious light of the Gospel of peace. 

The 60th session met at Limestone Springs church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Elder M. C. Barnett, from Isaiah xxvi. 12, 13. 
Sardis church was admitted into the union, making 31 
churches, with a membership of 2786. 

The body organized by electing Elders M. C. Barnett, 
Moderator, and Wm. Curtis, Clerk. 

Distinguished Visitors. — After the appointment of 
committees, &c, Elders E. A. Crawley, D.D., J. 0. B. Dar- 
gan, D.D., W. B. Carson, editor Southern Baptist, J. E. Bae, 
of the Bible Revision Society, being present were invited to 
seats. 

, Query.— The following query from Goucher Creek was 
taken up: 

"If a member be excluded from one church, not having been 
justly dealt with, and applies to another church for membership 
upon a statement of facts, what should be the course of the latter 
church?" , 

Answer. "In the opinion of this Association, one church 'is 
equal to another, /and that church independence involves church 
equality. And if one church is equal to another, then it is obviously 
absurd to say that the action of one church binds any other church, 
much le.-s every other church. But christian propriety and the 
peace of Zion requires that the opinions and decisions of churches 
and majorities shall be respected. We would, therefore, recommend 
that when parties excluded from one church apply for membership 
in another church, that the church so applied to should not receive 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. ®S 

svu-h parties on their bare statement ; but if, in her judgment there 
should appear to be just reasons for believing- that said party or par- 
ties had been unjustly dealt with, that she might with great propri- 
ety interpose in behalf of said excluded parties, and by negotiating 
with the church excluding said parties secure an impartial examina- 
tion of the nature of the charges and evidence upon which such par- 
ties were excluded, and if, after an impartial examination by dis- 
interested parties, it should appear that said parties had been unjustly 
excluded, and if after the excluding church had been admonished 
to restore to fellowship such excluded parties, she (the excluding 
•church) should still refuse to do so, the said excluded parties might, 
if their piety would recommend them, be received into the fellow- 
ship of another church without any violation of the principles of 
the Gospel." 

SYNOPTICAL HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

The following was adopted ; 
Resolved, That a Synoptical History of the Association, in its 
rise and progress, be prepared for publication instead of the next 
Circular Letter, and that Brethren D. Scruggs, W. Curtis, T. B. Jus- 
tice, M. C. Barnett, James Ezell, sr., and R. \yhite be a committee 
to prepare the same. 

Remarks, — The foregoing committee, with the exception 
of Elder M. C. Barnett, failed to act, and consequently but 
little was done in collecting materials for the contemplated 
history of the Association. Elder Barnett prepared a pam- 
phlet of some sixty pages ? which has been published and 
distributed among the churches, and is a work of much in- 
terest, in which many incidents and other more valuable 
associational matters have been collated and preserved for 
the benefit of succeeding generations of the Baptist family. 
We shall of course avail ourselves of the benefit of this work 
and frequently make quotations from it with a view of get- 
ting it into our work and in a better form for preservation. 

Bro. Toliver Davis. — Bro. Toliver Davis, of the Ruth- 
erfordton church, and Chairman of the committee on Sab- 
bath Schools, who has long since crossed over the river and 
gone to bis reward, has left behind him the following Sab- 
bath School report, which is an honor to his memory, and 
lias doubtless been a great help to the Sabbath School cause 
in the bounds of the Broad River Association. And in or- 
der that it may be productive of yet more good to the cause 
of Sabbath Schools, we reproduce it in our work, and thereby 
preserve to Baptist posterity the name of one who honored 
Christ with his substance ; 



% BROAD KIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

"The subject of Sabbath Schools has long been treated as a; mat- 
ter of most serious importance by our Association, and constant ex- 
perience proves the value of the institution. Whilst all admit the 
fact, still the larger proportion remain destitute of this great means 
of religious instruction to the rising generation. Many of our 
churches have neglected to send statements. Providence, Macedo- 
nia and Philadelphia report large and flourishing Sabbath Schools. 
We can do nothing more than urge it upon every church to engage 
in this holy work ; it is a work calculated to confer present and ever- 
lasting blessings on those who teach as well as on those who receive 
instruction. We shall not repeat the arguments so often and so well, 
addressed to us in favor of our Sabbath Schools,— they are no longer 
needed to convince us ; all are persuaded that it is the duty of each 
church to establish them if practicable. We think the failure to do 
so arises partly from wrong views as to the means and circumstances 
necessary ; if our churches would assemble every Lord's day, whether 
there is preaching or not, the work would be easy. In neighbor* 
hoods where the population is much scattered (so that the children 
and young persons cannot all conveniently attend at the meeting 
house,) there might be one Or more schools at convenient points 
conducted by members of the church residing in the neighborhood. 
We would again commend this matter to the earnest attention and 
exertion of the pastors and ministers who supply the churches : their 
combined efforts would soon make a change and put in operation 
Sunday Schools in every possible locality, thus doing a great work 
for the promotion of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and 
give them many souls for their hire. \This implies, of course, the 
willing co-operation of the brethren of each church. 

"In conclusion, w T e would suggest that the want of books need 
not deter any church from undertaking a Sunday School. Avery 
small sum is sufficient to procure the primary books needed, and the 
Bible itself is the best of all others, and whenever a church determ- 
ines to act, they can easily be procured through application to our 
book depositories. And we would further recommend our churches 
to do away with the use of the Union Question and Sabbath School 
books, and procure the books prepared by our own denomination. 

Tolivisr Davis, Chairman.' 7 
The following was then adopted : 

Resolved, That we invite the Sabbath School Board of the State 
Convention to direct, as sooty as they may be able to perfect their 
appointment, the General Superintendent of the Sabbath Schools 
connected with our denomination, to visit our section of the country, 
and recommend our churches most cordially to receive and listen to 
his suggestions. 

DISTILLERS OF ARDENT SPIRITS. 

The following was adopted : 

Resolved, That we recommend the churches and ministers of 
this Association not to receive and baptize distillers of ardent spirits 
into the fellowship of our churches. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 97 

OPERATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD. 

The Missionary Board employed Elder Jos. Suttle one- 
half of bis time to supply Union and Sardis churches, and 
to put in such other portion of his time as he could in the 
field. They also appointed Elder Wade Hill to labor in the 
York Mission a short portion of the year, which he attended 
to with encouraging success. 

The Treasurer reports collections..... $312.40 

Disbursed to Elder J. Suttle 42.63 

Balance on hand Oct. 22d, 1830 269.86 

$312 49 

The Circular Letter was written by Elder Wm. Curtis, 
on systematic effort in spreading the Gospel. (See biographi- 
cal notice of Dr. Wm. Curtis.) 

The session of 1861 met at Gilead church, Union county, 
S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder 
Wm. Curtis, Rom. vi. 3, 4. The union consisted of 30 
churches, and a membership of 2638. 

The body was organized by electing Elders M. C. Bar- 
nett, Moderator, and Wm. Curtis, Clerk. 

After the appointment, of committees and the usual 
routine of associational work, the Treasurer reported monies 
•collected (including balance of $269.86 last year,) $370.86 

By am'tspaid Elder Jos. Suttle, Oct. 22d, 1860 $75.00 

By " " " W.Hill, 10.00 

By " " " J. Suttle, Jan'y, 1861 30.25 

By " " " D.Scruggs 56 00 

171.25 

Amount to balance 199.61 

ELDERS F. W. EITTLEJOHN AND M. MULLINAX. 

The committee on Obituaries reported: 
We are under the necessity of reporting the departed worth of 
Elders F. W. Littlejohn a,nd Madison Mullinax, both ministers be- 
longing to the Broad River Association, of unimpeachable characters. 
We trust that the exhibition of the life and power of Christianity 
exemplified in their lives of usefulness in connection with their min- 
istrations in the Gospel will long be unto us "living epistles, known 
and read of all men." Bro. Littlejohn was ordained to the ministry 
in the Goucher Creek church about twenty years ago, and for a long 
time labored zealously and successfully in the Gospel. For some 
time past, owing to the infirmities of the body, he refused to take 
the pastoral charge of any church, still unto the day of his death he 
never threw off the mantle of his calling. He died of apoplexy on 
the 10th of October last, being about fifty-five years old. 
13 



98 BROAD BIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Bro. Mullinax had been engaged in the ministry about thesame 
number of years, laboring faithfully in his Master's cause until the 
day of his death. He died on the 20th of February last, of pneumo- 
nia, aged forty-nine years. 

We would also notice the demise of Elder Joseph Suttle, who, 
though not a member of this Association, yet living in the esteem 
and affection of this body, claims from us a tribute of grateful remem- 
brance. He died in the triumphs of faith on the 26th May last, in 
his thirty-fifth year, having been engaged in the ministry about 
thirteen years. 

It has also come to our notice that our aged and well beloved 
brother, J. W. Cooper, the oldest member of the Cedar Springs 
church (having been a professor of Christianity about sixty years,) 
departed this life on the 13th of May last, in the seventy-fourth year 
of his age. He represented his church in this Association for a 
number of years, and perhaps no man was ever more beloved, so far 
as his acquaintance extended ; indeed he was a sort of favorite with 
all who knew him. He was one of those men who combined the 
doctrinal and practical parts of religion in himself. 

Those of our brethren that have once associated with us here, 
now "rest from their labors, and their works do follow^ them. 

B. Bonner, Chairman." 
Kemarks. — We were well acquainted with the brethren 
noticed in the foregoing report, having sat with them in dif- 
ferent sessions of the Association, and willingly bear testi- 
mony to their sterling worth, deep piety and great usefulness. 
The following resolution was adopted : 

Resolved, That we deem it in accordance with Scripture, where 
a member absents himself from the church, to send for him to en- 
quire his reasons. 

Secession. — The following preamble and resolution was 
adopted : 

Whereas, Since the last meeting of our body, the Southern 
States have withdrawn from the Federal Government of the United 
States and formed a new government, styled the Southern Confede- 
racy, we, as a religious body enjoying the benefit and protection 
thereof, feel it our privilege and duty to express our sentiments with 
regard to this momentous event. Therefore be it 

Resolved, That we do fully acquiesce and heartily concur in the 
action of the Southern States, and extend to our rulers and soldiers, 
and officers of the army our best wishes for their success, accompa- 
nied with our earnest appeal at a throne of Grace for their guidance 
and protection, commending at the Fame time our country to the 
Almighty God, that He may direct all things for the advancement 
of His Kingdom and glory of His name. 

Kemarks. — Comment is unnecessary. The Southern 
people knew their rights and, like men, they resolved to 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 99 

stand by them and defend them, if possible. The sequel of 
a hard and protracted struggle shows how well they earned 
out their resolutions. They had at last to succumb, it is 
true, but they, as the sons of noble sires of the Anglo-Saxon 
race, never made a sacrifice of their honor. 

The Circular Letter to the churches for this year was 
prepared by Elder Drury Scruggs, the same being a statisti- 
cal collection for the use of future associational historians. 

The 62d session met at Philadelphia church. Spartan- 
burg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was preached 
by Elder B. Bonner, 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. There are 30 churches 
in the union. Membership, 2516. 

The body organized by electing M. C. Burnett, Mode- 
rator, and Bro. J. W. Bobo, Clerk. 

Distinguished Visitors. — Elder W. II. Mcintosh, of 
Domestic and Indian Mission Board, and Elder W. D. Rice, 
of Sabbath School and Col portage Board of the Baptist 
State Convention, appeared at this session in behalf of their 
respective Boards, and were received and aided in their 
work. 

Executive Board. — The Missionary Board reported : 

Former balance of $199.61 

Cash from ladies 8.6o 

$207.61 

1861. Bee. 6. Cr. by amount paid Bro. Suttle's widow. $42.50 

" " " " " Scruggs 90.0J 

$132.50 

Balance $75.11 

The committee on Sabbath Schools appear to be encour- 
aged by the operations of the past year, and report a goodly 
number of schools in good working order. 

Deceased Brethren. — The committee on Obituaries 
report the names of J. G. Mullinax, of Antioch church ; 
E. H. Smith, of Philadelphia church, and C. P. Petty, of 
Limestone Springs, besides the names of quite a number of 
young brethren who have fallen during the past year by the 
relentless hand of death. Peace be to their ashes. 
The following resolution was adopted : 
Resolved, That each member of our churches be affectionately 
requested to especially remember our beloved soldiers and suffer- 
ing country, in their private prayers at sunrise and sunset every 
day, for their temporal and spiritual safety and welfare. 



100 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The Circular Letter, on the wants of the churches , was 
prepared by Elder William Curtis, and is an excellent doc- 
ument. 

The 63d session met at Pacolet church, Union county, 
S. C. The introductory sermon was preached by Elder T. 
B. Justice, of the Butherfordton church. Luke ii. 80, 31, 
32d verses. The Shelby church, dismissed from the King's 
Mountain Association, was again admitted into this body — 
making a union of 31 churches and a membership of 2713. 

Elder M. C. Barnett was elected Moderator, and Bro. 
J. W. Bobo, Clerk. 

REQUEST OF STATE LINE CHURCH. 

After the usual routine of associational business, the 
body took up the special request of State Line church, and 
appointed Brethren H. Borders, J. Jefferies and A. M. Smith 
a committee to nominate a committee of twelve to go to 
State Line church to aid them in their difficulty, — which 
committee appointed Brethren E. A. Crawley, M.. C. Bar- 
nett, J. S. Ezell, W. Hill, B. B. Foster, H. G. Gaffney, J. G. 
Ivendrick, T. B. Justice, E. Lipscomb, W. Austell, James 
Ezell and E. Barnett. 

CONFEDERATE DESERTERS. 

Query. — The following query was taken up from Ca- 
pernaum Church : 

"How shall we proceed with members of our churches who 
have deserted from service in the Confederate army?" 

Answer, "'That all cases of desertion should not be dealt with 
immediately, because by delay thus to act the persons may yet be 
restored to their country, and to the true cause. But this answer 
is not to be taken as allowing desertion, which is a grievous sin. 
and deserves the dealings of the church." 

OPERATIONS OF THE MISSIONARY BOARD. 

Elder J. S. Ezell as Chairman, made the following 
statement of the operations of the Missionary Board : 

There is for last year's report a balance of $75.11 in the hands of 
the representatives of the estate of Bro. C. P. Petty, deceased, the 
former Treasurer, of which $20.00 is clue for Foreign Missions. It 
is also to be noted that $74.50 remains due for Missionary services 
still unpaid. There is still wanting $19.39 

Remarks. — The body seem to be endeavoring to carry 
on all the different objects of christian labor, and have a good 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 101 

Sabbath School report by Elder T. R. Gaines, in which it is' 
stated that several of the churches keep up flourishing 
schools, notwithstanding the vexatious troubles of the war, 
yet as a general thing there is a great lack of system in eve- 
rything, and demoralization appears to be engraved on all 
the efforts of these professed disciples of Christ. 

Demise of Deacons. — Pacolet church reports the demise 
of two of her deacons, James Spears and M. S. Kendriek, 
and Providence reports the loss of Deacon A. Bonner, while 
some forty other brethren are reported as having fallen in 
battle or sickened and died in hospitals or prisons. Oh ! the 
horrors of a cruel, fratricidal war! 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared! by 
Elder M, C, Barnett, on the subject of National calamities, 
and is like every thing else coming from the pen of Brov 
Barnett — always timely and appropriate. 

The 64th session met at Antioch church, York county, 
S. C. The introductory sermon was preached by Elder 
Wade Hill. Psalms 1. 15. New Prospect and Buffalo 
churches, dismissed from King's Mountain Association, were 
admitted into this body, making a union of 82 churches and 
a membership of 3340. 

The body organized bj 7 electing Elder M. C. Barnett, 
.Moderator, and Elder Win Curtis, Clerk. 

Salem church was dismissed to join the Catawba River 
Association. 

The usual committees on the different objects of assqc.it 
ational work were appointed. 

REPORT OF COMMITTEE SENT TO STATE LINE. 

The committee appointed last year to aid the State Line 
church, was called on for their report, when Elder E. A. 
Crawley as Chairman reported as follows: 

The committee appointed by the Broad River Association, at 
their meeting in 1883, to aid the State Line church in the investiga- 
tion of certain matters relating' to theirdiscipline, met according to 
appointment at State Line on the loth of September, 1803, when 
the following ministering brethren answered to their names : E. A. 
Crawley and M. C. Barnett; also brethren Edward Lipscomb, Win. 
Austell and Elijah Barnett. 

On inquiry made of the church then sitting as to what 
matters they wished this committee to investigate, the com- 



102 BROAD" RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

mittee recorded a resolution stating that they received if 
from the statements now made to them, to be the wish of the 
church that they should examine into the validity or non- 
validity of a certain letter of dismission obtained by D. 
Scruggs while there were grave charges of immorality pend- 
ing against him, and twenty-six members objected against 
such letter being granted. Also that they should instruct 
the church as to what course to pursue with regard to thirty- 
six members who, at that time, also took letters of dismission 
and voted for the same themselves, notwithstanding existing 
objections. 

These matters having been then by this committee fully 
examined into, they further 

Mesolved, That the said letter obtained by Bro. Scruggs is irreg- 
ular and invalid, and ought not to be received by any church as a 
recommendation of the christian character of Bro. Scruggs, and that 
this committee recommend the State Line church to recall the said 
letter until action be finally taken on the charges against Bro. 
Scruggs, heretofore preferred. ; and further, that in the judgment of 
this committee, Bro. Scruggs- is accountable to the discipline of this 
church so soon as they shall have given notice that the said letter is 
irregularly obtained. And with regard to the letters of dismission 
granted at the same time to other members,, the committee gave such 
verbal advice to Ike church as they judged most desirable under the 
circumstances. 

During these discussions, very clear and satisfactory statement* 
were publicly made with respect to the necessity of unanimity in a 
church in granting letters of dismission ; and the committee, though 
greatly grieved at the necessity of their meeting, could not but trust 
that, under Divine Providence, the State Line church and the cause 
of God would receive aid and benefit from their deliberations and 
action on this occasion. 

By order of the committee the above is respectfully submitted 
to the Broad River Association as their report. 

E. A. Crawley, Chairman. 

COMMITTEE Of SEVEN. 

On receiving the foregoing report, the body adopted the 
following : 

Resolved, That a committee of seven brethren be appointed to 
report on the painful case of Elder D. Scruggs, as referred to in the 
letter of the State Line church and the report of the above commit- 
tee, and that they be requested to call upon the councils who have 
investigated the case, and for such papers as may put them in full 
possession of the merits thereof. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 103 

Under the resolution as adopted the following brethren 
were appointed ; A, M, Smith, D. McCulloeh, F, S. Bam- 
sour, Jno. R. Jefferies, J, W, Montgomery, E. McBrayer 
and A, Lancaster, which committee on Monday of the ses- 
sion reported that, having attended to the business assigned 
them, they recommend the following resolution for adoption 
by the Association, as the best way of disposing of the case; 

ACTION OF THE BODY IN REFERENCE TO D, SCRUGGS AND THE STATE 
LINE CHURCH. 

Resolved, That having carefully examined the records of the 
State Line church as to their dealings with Drury Scruggs, the re- 
cords of the three councils that have been held at her request, and 
the evidence brought before them, as on record and obtained from 
the Moderators of the councils all the information in their power to 
give, we cannot but conclude that our sister church has acted pru- 
dentially and according to Scripture rules, and that we and sister 
■churches are bound to respect the decision of the council in deposing 
him from the ministry, upon the charge of "the immorality of lewd- 
ness substantiated against him," and that of the State Line church 
in excommunicating him upon the said charge of the immorality of 
lewdness substantiated in many cases, and of refusing in any way to 
listen to his brethren. And inasmuch as he continues obstinately 
to refuse to submit to his brethren, and exercises in the offices of the 
ministry in the country around, and has in a printed circular, and 
from the pulpit, attacked our beloved brethren in the ministry, we 
warn our brethren in sister churches of their bounden duty to with- 
hold all fellowship and countenance from him, and to pray that he 
may see and be led from the error of his way. And we hereby de- 
clare that we are in no way responsible for any of his acts while he 
continues an excommunicated member of the State Line church. 

Remarks. — It is painful to the writer to have these pro- 
ceedings overhauled and embodied in a history of the Broad 
River Association, but Elder Drury Scruggs had been prom- 
inently connected with the body about thirty-two years when 
this unfortunate affair took place, and had consequently be- 
come an important factor in the associational history. He 
had for many years the reputation of being a christian gen- 
tleman, had served the church and the county where he was 
a citizen very creditably, and had become a very popular 
man. Eight different times he was chosen by the suffrages 
of his brethren to preside as Moderator over the deliberations 
of the Association, and once as its Clerk. He was a good 
preacher, and to all visible appearance had a good circum- 
spect walk and conversation. An able and judicious com- 



10* BRO A D KIVEJK BAPTIST" ASSOCIATION".. 

mittee of brethren, however, after a full and fair investiga- 
tion of the several allegations and charges against him, say 
he was guilty of improprieties of which no christian should, 
be, much less one who has so Ions; wore the liverv of a min- 
ister of Christ. Alas ! poor human nature, how feeble and. 
frail it is, while under the bewitching and seducing influence 
of the world, the flesh and the devil I 

While under this baneful influence Eldei Scruggs, in- 
stead of humbling himself at the feet of his brethren and 
imploring their clemency and forbearance, and attempting 
to show that he was innocent and unjustly persecuted and 
maligned, he chose rather to show that he was a game man. 
and published to the world a scurrilous pamphlet, attacking 
the private character of those brethren who figured in the 
investigation of his case — accusing them of shortcomings 
and even crimes he was unable to sustain by testimony — and 
thus adding to the catalogue of crimes alleged against him 
(that of libeler and slanderer,) for which he would have been 
forced by the civil law of the country to atone, had he not 
ignominiously fled without its jurisdiction. Elder Scruggs 
finding that the charges preferred against him would in all 
probability be sustained by proper evidence, he, while in the 
State Line church, managed dexterously through the agency 
of a party (on friendly terms with him) to obtain, in a sur- 
reptitious manner, a letter of dismission, which he used in 
joining another church which had formerly belonged to the 
King's Mountain Association, but had with several other 
churches seceded from that body by reason of a difference 
of views on the subject of Temperance. He remained and 
preached for that church (High Shoals) until he found it 
would be most advisable for him, under all the circumstances, 
to vacate ; he then applied for a letter of dismission, and 
obtained it as "being in full fellowship." With that letter 
in his pocket, surreptitiously obtained, he now palms himself 
off on other churches and communities around as a minister 
of Christ — in full fellowship, and in order. As to his exact 
whereabouts at the time of this writing we are unable to 
tell, but when last heard of (in a Southwestern State) he was 
proclaiming that Gospel he used to profess to love so well, 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 105 

just the same as though he had not been deposed by a regu- 
lar Baptist Council, in the churbh and Association where his 
labors were first desired. If he was unjustly dealt with we 
cannot blame him so much; still we think that everything 
should be "done decently and in order." "To his own Mas- 
ter now he standeth or falleth." He has been disciplined by 
his brethren according to the requirements of Scripture. If 
it should please God, through the "foolishness" of Elder 
Scruggs' preaching (although in disorder) to save souls, then 
we ought all to be satisfied, — yea! and we will be satisfied. 
He may be as loyal to the Master — yea, more so than many 
who as yet have never been exposed, and who stand very 
fair to all human discernment — but inwardly are ravening 
wolves in sheep's clothing. Of this we are unable to say j?ea 
or nay, but "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall 
every word be established." 

The following lines suggest themselves as being appro- 
priate in this case : 

JUDGE NOT. 

"Judge ye not," Oh, Christian brother, 

'Tis the rock o'er which we fall ; 
Rather '"Love ye one another," 

(Jive a helping hand to all. 

If you knew the cares and losses 

Lying in your brother's path, 
Would you add unto his crosses 

One sharp word or scornful laugh ? 

Who shall know the weight of sorrow 

Pressing on his aching brow ; 
Who shall say that you to-morrow 

May not be as he is now ? 

Who shall know what stress of tempting 

Brought your erring brother low ; 
Owe you not your own exempting, 

That you were not tempted so? 

Could you know how sore and weary 

Are his footsteps and his heart, 
You would make them sure less dreary, 

You would nobly take his part. 

Else you'd fail, oh, Christian brother, 

In the golden rule of ail — 
Saith our Savior, "Love each other, 

SeeK and comfort those who fall:" 

Judge not, therefore, lest your censure, 

Should return upon your head ; 
Man in judgment shall not venture — 
i Thus the Lord our God hath said. 

14 



106 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

THE DOMESTIC MISSION BOARD. 

An opportunity was given Elder S. W. Rogers, repre- 
senting the Domestic Mission Board, to urge its claims upon 
the attention of the Association. Elder T. li. Gaines ap- 
peared in behalf of the Sabbath School Board, and Elder 
Jno. S. Ezell addressed the body in behalf of the "Confede- 
rate Baptist;" then the organ of the Baptist denomination 
in South Carolina. 

Collection on the Sabbath 'for Bro. Rogers $393.60 

" for Bro. Rice, Army Colportage 424.68 

§818.28 

This collection was in worthless or depreciated Confed- 
erate money. 

The Demise of Deacons. — The committee on Obituaries 
report quite a number of brethren who fell in the war during 
the past year, and we notice the names of several deacons, 
viz : William Ezell, of Buck Creek church, May 12, 1864 ; 
M. T. Pope, of Macedonia ; Wm. Spears, of Pacolet, August 
21, 1864 ; William Moore, of Buflklo, March, 1864. 

The Missionary Board made no report of operations 
this year. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder E. A. Crawley, on the making of our lives correspond to 
the meaning of the ordinance of baptism. 

The session of 1865 was held at Cedar Springs church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Elder M. C. Barnett, Heb. ii. 20. Churches in 
union, 32; membership, 3601. Baptisms, 348. 

The body organized by electing Elder Micajah C. Bar- 
nett, Moderator, and Elder Tilman R. Gaines, Clerk. 

Sabbath Schools. — After the reception of messengers 
from corresponding bodies, and the usual routine of associ- 
ational business, the body became ready to hear reports from 
the various committees on associational work. The commit- 
tee on Sabbath Schools reported : 

A great increase in the number of Sunday Schools. Last year 
our churches reported eleven Sunday Schools ; this year they have 
reported twenty-one. Your committee fondly indulge the hope that 
at the next meeting of this body all our churches will report flour- 
ishing schools. The committee would recommend that the superin- 
tendents of our Sunday Schools send up to our next Association a 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 107 

Statistical account of each school, giving the number of teachers, 
scholars and volumes in library. Address Dr. John A. Broadus, 
Greenville, S. C, for Sunday School books. 

H. G. Gaffney, Chairman. 

VOLUNTARY MISSIONARY LABOR. 

Whereas, T. R. Gaines and T. J. Campbell have volunteered 
to labor with our churches in the Sunday School cause, 

Resolved, That we gratefully accept of their kind proffer, and 
recommend them to the churches. 

THE BOARD DISPENSED WITH. 

The committee to nominate a Missionary Board, recom- 
mended that such a board be dispensed with the coming 
year, which was agreed to bv the bodv. 

The committee on Obituaries report the names of seve- 
ral brethren who have died from wounds or other causes 
during the past year, among w T hom we notice the demise of 
Bro. Joseph Guiton, who had been a deacon for forty years 
of El Bethel church. Union church lost L. Ferguson, one 
of their deacons. 

THE OLDEST CHURCH IN THE ASSOCIATION. 

The Friendship church reports her organization to be 
one hundred 3-ears old. This is the oldest church in this 
Association. Not a member yet survives who was living at 
the time of its organization. 

The foregoing statement, taken from the Minutes of 
this session, is probably correct. Friendship church then is 
one hundred and seventeen }<ears old on this present year of 
1882. The church was consequently organized in the year 
1765, and rightly stands first on the list of churches which, 
by reference to the Minutes of the body it will appear it has 
done from the organization of the Broad River Association 
up to the year 1816, w T hen by some means Buffalo was placed 
at the head of the column, and Friendship made No. 3. We 
are at a loss to know T why the change was made. We have 
endeavored to give the true dates of each constitution, and 
hope we have been successful in our efforts. 

Correspondence. — The committee on Associational Cor- 
respondence reports very 'properly as follows : 

We regret to see the interest formerly manifested by associations 
in reference to correspondence, declining. The result is that being 
less informed, we are also less interested in each other's prosperity; 
consequently the great family of Baptist churches are becoming more 



108 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

or less estranged from one another. This year, however, we have 
been greatly refreshed by the presence and labors of corresponding 
brethren. How pleasant and delightful for brethren thus to meet 
and labor together for the advancement of the Kingdom of our com- 
mon Lord. May the Spirit of our Redeemer pervade all our churches, 
and peace, harmony and love be their character upon earth, and 
may the saints be the better prepared to enter upon that state of eter- 
nal felicity which awaits all the finally faithful. 

Jno. S. Ezekl, Chairman. 

The Circular Letter was prepared by Elder M. C. Bar- 
nett. on the importance of Sunday Schools to our churches, and 
the lest method of conducting them. 

The 66th session met at El Bethel church, Union coun- 
ty, S. C. The introductory sermon was preached by Elder 
Tilman R. Gaines, Kom. i. 18. The Yorkville church was 
admitted into the union at this session. The union consists 
of 33 churches ; membership, 3533. 

Re-elected Elders M. C. Barnett, Moderator, and Tilrnau 
R. Gaines, Clerk. 

Distinguished Visitors. — Several messengers from other 
associations were received, viz : Elders J. 0. B. Dargan, 
D. D., Thos. Smith, W. D. Beverly, "W. D. Lancaster^ A. 
Padgett and others. Dr. Dargan appeared as the special 
agent of the executive board of the State Convention of the 
Baptist denomination in South Carolina, and made an ear- 
nest and feeling appeal in behalf of the Board. 

CHANGE IN THE ACTION OF STATE CONVENTION. 

The committee appointed to examine into and report 
upon the action of the Baptist State Convention, as to its 
recent modification of its action for the future welfare of our 
churches and denomination within its bounds, under the 
late revision of its constitution, submitted the following re- 
port : 

That they gather from all that is before them, the especial objects 
now attempted, are first, the uniting of all the Associations of our 
State more fully in acquaintance with each other; and secondly, 
that they shall co-operate in their duties among the churches, and 
to those within our hounds destitute of Baptist preaching. There 
are comprised in these objects Domestic or State Missions, in which 
as now carried on by your associations the Convention desires, with 
their permission, to aid so far as they may be able the education of 
pious men, approved by the churches for and in the ministry : Bible 
distribution and col port age, the interests of Sabbath Schools, Foreign 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 10& 

Missions, and the supervision of the Furnian University. It is the 
first of these to which at present the Convention desires to call our 
attention and assistance as most readily uniting the brethren in the 
State as one Baptist family. It is not at all desired to interfere with 
the present action of each Association as to its own missionary work. 
On the contrary, the Convention, through the Executive Board and 
Agent, will take pleasure in adopting as their own such plans and 
appointments as are reported to them, and supplement them when 
necessary and it is practicable to do so. The Executive Board of the 
Convention wish only to regard each associational board as a sub- 
agent of its own appointment, judging and acting on the spot as to 
the wants and supplies in its own neighborhood. They request, 
therefore, that the report of each board be also made to them, to 
show what is done by all our brethren in the State. As to moneys, 
it is desired that such amount as may be thought proper be sent di- 
rect to the Executive Board of the State for such appropriation as 
they may deem best, and that the rest be appropriated by the local 
hoards to the support of such work or mission as they may think 
best. 

Your committee further report the following resolutions for 
adoption by the Association, and desire that the resolution presented 
by this committee and passed by this body on Saturday, be referred 
to as a part of this report: 

1st Resolved, That this Association greatly desires to see a perfect 
union and co-operation among the Baptist associations and churches 
throughout the State, and trust that the recent action of the Baptist 
State Convention will tend to this result. 

2nd Resolved, That a Board, consisting of Elders Wm. Curtis, 
B. Bonner, J. S. Ezell, brethren H. G. Gaflney and John Byars — to 
be known as the Executive Board of Missions — be appointed, whose 
duty it shall be to look out the destitution within the bounds of this 
Association, to employ a Missionary to preach in our destitute places, 
and to build up Sabbath Schools. 

3rd Resolved, That this Board be empowered to receive and dis~ 
burse all money raised by the churches and Sabbath Schools for Mis- 
sionary purposes. 

4th Resolved, That this Association will unite for this year in 
their Domestic Missionary operations with the Executive Board of 
the Baptist State Convention, so far as our Missionary Board may 
find to be practicable, and they are directed hereby so to report to 
that Board — to which also, a full report of its operations, together 
with a correct statistical account of the churches and Sabbath Schools 
in the Association shall be made as may be required. 

5th Resolved, Also that the pastor of each church be requested 
to preach Missionary sermons in behalf of missions, explaining the 
work of our boards, and that each church take up collections and 
send the contributions to the Executive Board of the Association. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. 

Wm. Curtis, Chairman. 



110 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Remarks. — During the existence of the war, so great 
was the demoralization or rather subversion of all plans of 
missionary operations, that a remodeling of measures was 
absolutely necessary. The Associational Board had ceased 
to do anything, and only existed in name without any means- 
whatsoever. Indeed we find in tracing its history from year 
to year it never did accomplish much, and hence the propri- 
ety of amalgamating its work with that of the State Conven- 
tion, "every little helps." And it is better that the Associa- 
tion become an auxiliary member of the convention than to 
attempt to run missionary operations upon our own hook 
and accomplish but little. The scheme put on foot at this 
session was certainly the best that could be adopted at the 
present juncture of time, and it was either that or the aban- 
donment of the State Mission report. 

We have thought a good deal in reference to State Mis- 
sions, and hardly know how to arrive at a proper conclusion. 
The animus of State Missions from a Baptist standpoint, as 
we understand it, is the propagation of the Gospel as under- 
stood by Baptists in sections of the country occupied by other 
denominations of Christians, under the impression that Bap- 
tists alone have the pure, unadulterated Gospel intrusted to 
them; and that the other denominations although pious 
Christians, and orthodox in the generally received faith of 
the Bible — heterodox only in reference to ordinances which 
they unfortunately brought with them from popery in the 
time of the reformation — must yet be instructed as though 
they had never heard the Gospel preached at all. Now, we 
concur with our brethren as to the irregularities of Pedo- 
Baptists, but at the same time we believe that we are not 
responsible for these defects in their faith. The Master has 
suffered it, and appears to be blessing their labors in the 
evangelization ot the world, and we recognize them as £ood 
Christians of exemplary piety, zealous of good works, — and 
they are as zealous, too, as Baptists can be, in endeavoring 
to propagate their own peculiar tenets. Their young people 
are carefully tutored and drilled in their churches and Sab- 
bath schools, and this being the case, it is natural to expect 
that they will walk in the foot-prints of their parents and 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. Ill 

teachers as long probably as time lasts. Family training has 
an immense influence either for good or evil. Why then 
make efforts to proselyte ? Let well enough alone. It is 
very seldom that even an eloquent Apollos representing any 
other sect of professing christians Could be found able to 
shake the faith imbibed by such as have been thus instructed 
and trained in childhood. 

Why then this great ado in raising funds to send the 
Gospel where it is evidently an impossibility to make an im~ 
pression ? Our Missionaries are frequently weak, uneduca- 
ted men, and sometimes taunted and jeered as ignoramuses 
by those who go out to hear them. If we attempt to con- 
vince Pedo-Baptists of their errors and irregularities, we 
ought, to send out as Missionaries "the most talented, refined 
and thoroughly educated ministers we have in our ranks — ■ 
men that could stop the mouths of gainsay ers, and put to flight 
those who attempt to reason against the Truth from false and 
unphilosophical premises. We, however, may be wrong in 
our conclusions which, if so, we very much regret; but as 
we have been a long time a careful observer of men and 
measures, we are unable to arrive at a different conclusion. 
This is not properly an age of miracles : we have to study to 
learn some things now, that in the Apostolic age seemed to 
be intuitively or miraculously communicated. We are told 
by some good brethren that a very weak and uneducated 
minister, endued with the Spirit (as is generally alleged such 
an one,) can accomplish much more than a polished shaft in the 
quiver of the Lord. We don't exactly know how that is, 
but we are inclined (reverently of course) to thiuk sometimes 
as Napoleon Bonaparte is said once to have expressed him- 
self, "that Providence generally favors the heaviest artillery." 

NOTICE OF THE DEMISE OF SEVERAL GOOD BRETHREN. 

The committee on Obituaries reported as follows: 
By looking over the different church letters we find that thirty- 
nine deaths have occurred during our last associational year. Several 
of our churches have lost leading members. We deeply sympathize 
with the El Bethel church, in the loss of her highly esteemed and 
very useful brother, Col. James Jefferies ; and with the Rutherford- 
ton churchy in the death of her beloved brother and deacon, Toliver 
Davis ; and with the State Line church, in the loss of Deacon Philip 
Watkins ; and also with the Shelby church, in the death of Deacon 



112 BKO A D KI VER BAPTIST ASSOC! ATION". 

William Roberts, who was a model of piety and good works. We 
must say that these churches have sustained a great loss in the death 
of these brethren ;, but we hope our loss is their eternal gain. 

T. Dixon, Chairman. 

REPORT OF STATE CONVENTION ON COLORED PEOPLE. 

The war between the States having closed,, and recon- 
struction now going on by the general government, to meet 
the peculiar wants and necessities of both the white and col- 
ored races in their present anomalous condition, as well re- 
ligiously as civilly and politically, a committee had been 
appointed on Colored People, of which Elder J. C. Burge 
was Chairman, who reported ; That after some deliberation 
on the subject, they recommended the adoption by the Asso- 
ciation of the report of the committee on "the instruction 
of the colored people," passed by the Baptist State Conven- 
tion at its last session, which was as follows : 

The committee on the Instruction of the Colored People beg 
leave to report that they have given the subject the most serious con- 
sideration, and only regret that they cannot perform the duty de- 
volved upon them by the Convention in a manner more satisfactory 
to themselves. They are compelled, with little experience, to speak, 
upon a point, the solution of which requires much experience. 

The churches of our State, as well as the whole Soutii, find them- 
selves unexpectedly in the midst of the greatest social changes 
which the history of the world presents. While Rome, in theplen- 
titude of her power, judged it for the public safety to restrain within 
certain limits the exercise by her citizens of the right to emancipate 
their slaves, and thus allowed this work to go on by degrees, in our 
land the fearful experiment of emancipation has been made on the 
broadest scale, and with the suddenness and violence of an earth- 
quake. The work thus done— whether just or unjust, whether wise 
or foolish— is finally done. No Southern man dreams of a reversal 
of this act of the government. To us, as good citizens and christ- 
ians, the only questions left are, What are the duties which arise out 
of our changed relations, and how may we best perform, them, ® To 
one class of these duties the attention of the Convention has been 
called by the resolution under which your committee was appointed, 
viz : Our obligation in regard to the instruction of the colored people. 
In the times gone by that duty was recognized and acted upon im- 
perfectly indeed, as all religious duty is, in the hands of imperfect 
man, and under certain disadvantages. These disadvantages arose 
from laws in our State, at least, which prohibited all but oral instruc- 
tion, and which were intended to prevent the danger that might 
spring from inflammatory publications, which fanatical zeal was 
aiming to circulate among the slave population of the South. These 
laws were, in fact, disapproved by many of the best people of the 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 113 

State, as being unwise in policy and liable to still more serious objec- 
tions : vet, with the law-abiding spirit of our people, they had the 
effect of diminishing the amount of instruction in letters which the 
colored people had received, and which they would have continued 
to receive. Still many slaves did learn to read, and tin ir instruction 
of* each other and sometimes by the children of the family, was not 
unfrequently winked at by their masters who, but for the law, would 
themselves have instructed or would have encouraged their children 
to instruct the blacks. 

As matters now stand, no legal instructions now lie in the way 
of teaching the colored people ; and it is a plain duty of christians 
to make efforts or to foster and encourage efforts made to enable the 
colored people to read, especially that they may lead that blessed 
Book whose truths, understood and practiced, constitute the only 
sure basis of the peace and prosperity of society as they do of the 
true welfare, present and future, of the individual man. 

In almost every family, and upon farms and plantations gene- 
rally, something can be done to teach the younger negroes and such 
of the older ones as may be willing to learn. The performance of 
this labor, as a gratuity, by the former owners of the freed people or 
by the junior members of the families, would greatly tend to restore 
the confidence once felt by the slaves in their masters. We say the 
former confidence, for in many instances it has been apparent that, 
as in the case of the christian of Golatia and the Apostle Paul, a rude 
shock has been given to the previously existing confidence by the 
perverting instructions of persons claiming indeed to be the special 
friends of the negro, but with no professed love for the Southern 
white man, and with little real love for the black. 

In many cases this impression, we have reason to know, has, in 
a good degree, been corrected. Justice and kindness exercised to- 
ward the blacks in their new relations have so far served to dispel a 
mischievous delusion. To restore that confidence between the em- 
ployed and their employers, which is so necessary to public quiet 
and domestic peace, few things would operate more powerfully than 
a cordial readiness to aid them in gaining the advantage to be derived 
from the knowledge of letters 

As to the particular modes in which instruction may be impart- 
ed to them, it is scarcely necessary to say anything. Of course the 
colored Sunday school will prove a valuable instrument tor accom- 
plishing this work ; as to other schools and the methods of impart- 
ing instruction, the circumstances of each case will have to be con- 
sidered in determining the best mode : only let what is done be done 
in such a manner as will enable the pupil to learn, and then let the 
Scriptures be put into his hands. Let the New Testament be made 
a text-book, and then while the learner feels that he is enjoying lib- 
erty in one of its highest forms he will also be learning to use that 
liberty as not to abuse it. 

But much of the instruction of the blacks, as of the whites, em- 
enates from the pulpit, and therefore the question before us involves 
the consideration of the future church relations of the colored people. 
15 



114 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

There is reason to believe that in certain localities and under 
certain circumstances they will prefer to be organized into separate 
churches. Where this is strongly felt, and there is any probability 
of their being able to maintain public worship among themselves, it 
seems to your committee the better plan to give them letters of dis- 
mission, to aid them in forming churches of their own, and then to 
assist them, either by allowing them the use of the house of w T orsl.ip 
or helping them to build. In churches thus formed there would 
often exist a need for aid in keeping their records, and this service 
kindly rendered to them by a white brother would doubtless be ap- 
preciated by them. In like manner they might be induced, in thus 
setting up for themselves, to seek the services of white ministers. 
We do not see why, in the same neighborhood— oftentimes at the 
same house of worship — there might not be two churches (one white 
and one colored,) having the same ministerial supply, but each one 
transacting its business independently. Unless some such arrange- 
ment as this be made, it is to be apprehended that the colored people 
will suffer greatly ; for there are very few of the colored men who 
are received as preachers from whom any but meagre religious in- 
structions can be obtained. Should any of these become infected 
with a fanatical and disorganizing spirit, it is easy to see how much 
they might mislead their class, and of what wide-spread mischief 
they might become the authors. 

In other cases it may be found that the colored members of our 
churches will prefer to go on as they are. In such cases there would 
be a manifest propriety in allowing things to proceed in their cus- 
tomary channel until such time as they, themselves shall, of their 
own accord, seek separation and a distinct organization. 

Should colored churches be thus formed it will be very impor- 
tant to have the minds of their members impressed with the neces- 
sity of guarding against the hasty admission of members, and 
especially against the introduction of incompetent and otherwise 
unsuitable men into the ministry. Let them be taught the qualifi- 
cations for the sacred office, authoritatively laid down in the word 
of God, and induced to secure the counsel of judicious white breth- 
ren in deciding upon the claims of such as may seek licensure or 
ordination. It has sometimes been done that colored men, licensed 
by their churches to preach, have derived great advantage from 
occasional instruction afforded them by neighboring pastors. The 
same thing may be profitably repeated in our present circumstances. 

Your committee beg leave to submit the following resolutions : 

Resolved, 1st, That in our present circumstances there seems to 
be no one special plan for the general instruction of the colored peo- 
ple which can confidently be pronounced the best, and that -each case 
must be decided upon its own merits. 

Resolved, 2d, That where the colored people prefer to remain in 
their present church connexions, it will be better for them so to d«; 
provided, they studiously avoid occasions of irritation and offence. 

Resolved, 3d, That where the colored members become restive 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 115 

from the continuance of such relations, it will he wise regularly to 
dismiss them for the constitution of separate churches, to aid them 
by kind counsels, and as far as practicable other means, and to per- 
suade them to secure for themselves the benefits or an intelligent 
ministry. 

Resolved, 4th, That colored Sunday schools which have for many 
years been conducted in some parts of the South ought, in the opin- 
ion of the committee, to be established wherever it is practicable; 
and that it is a worthy christian work for white brethren and sisters 
to engage in the conduct and instruction of such Sunday schools. 

J. C. Furman, Chairman. 

Remarks. — The social changes produced 'by the war 
being of a character so extraordinary, and presenting as they 
did so many difficulties in regard to the proper course of 
religious instruction on the part of the churches toward the 
black race, we thought it advisable and proper to give the 
able report of the State Convention, which seemed to meet 
the approbation of the Broad River Association, and w r as 
consequently adopted by that body. The Convention at that 
time "could only shoot a bow at a venture,' 1 not knowing 
fully what course the colored people would prefer to take. 
It was however soon found out that "Sambo" would hearken 
to the advice of the fanatical Carpet-bagger of the North 
much quicker than he wotild to those who had of long stand- 
ing been his spiritual advisers at the South. The Carpet- 
bagger, immediately after peace was made, proceeded on his 
errand of mercy to visit the "man and brother" that had so 
long been bound with the shackles and fetters of slavery. 
Having found him, he ate with him, drank with him, per- 
suaded him, and told him that those, and only those, who 
struggled to liberate him were his true friends, and no oth- 
ers, and especially those who once held him in servitude 
could not be trusted as counselors. He must ignore all the 
kind proffers made by those w T ho once controlled his labor; 
that such "hollow-hearted hypocrites" only awaited an op- 
portunity to "put him back in the rice swamps and cotton 
fields as a laboring slave." It is very natural that a poor, 
uncultured darkey, operated on in this way, would soon 
imbibe strong prejudices against those who w r ere really his 
best friends, but he was too much blinded and stupid to see it. 

The sequel has shown the course preferred by the col- 



116 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

ored people. They prefer to have their own church and 
associational organizations, and we concur fully with them 
in that. As soeial equality is never once to be thought of, 
much less desired, it is certainly the best for them and the 
white race also to have their separate organizations. It is a 
commendable thing, however, for the white race to aid them 
in the establishment of schools of a high order for the train- 
ing of ministers to lead them from the sinks of superstition 
and fanaticism, which we are glad to see is being done. We 
hope to see a continuance of the good work, and a corre- 
sponding improvement of the colored race, until it will no 
longer be said that "negro meetings are nuisances." This 
will be soonest done by educating the negro race to meet 
the requirements of the times. In some localities we are 
glad to see it has been done, and we take that as prima facie 
evidence it can be done generally if the proper impetus is 
given. 

Correspondence. — As the committee on Correspond- 
ence reported much to our notion about some things, we 
therefore, hoping it may have a good effect on the reader, 
give it in this work entire. 

The committee on Correspondence beg leave to report that noth- 
ing of special importance appears demanding the attention of this 
committee. We are happy to learn that some of the churches in the 
Association have enjoyed precious seasons of refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord since the last meeting of the body. Most of 
the churches have Sunday schools, some of which are characterized 
by an interest partly proportionate, to the great importance of the 
Sunday school cause. Let us encourage Sunday schools, not only 
on account of the salutary influence they are calculated to exert on 
the communities in which they are located, but also as one great 
means of replenishing our churches With young, pious and energetic? 
members. 

The practice of dancing, playing and indulging in worldly 
amusements generally, by members of our churches, has become a 
most serious evil, demanding the prompt and decided action of all 
our churches. Those who indulge in these practices not only prove 
themselves devoid of spirituality, but they exert an influence upon 
the world detrimental to the cause of Christ and the salvation of 
immortal souls. With reference to this matter we submit an answer 
to a query in the Welch Neck Association : "Is it wrong for Church 
members to dance?" Our unhesitating reply is, that it is wrong. 
For although the Bible is silent as to direct precept on this and other 
frivolous amusements of a kindred character, yet the plain and un- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 117 

mistakable influence of all its requisitions and maxims in regard to 
forsaking all for Christ, the duty of watchfulness, spiritual minded- 
ness, growth in grace and the acquisition of the higher attainments 
in the christian life, as well as those injunctions toavoid the appear- 
ance of evil, conformity to the world, and any departure from a fixed 
and inflexible adherence to the Truth as it is in Jesus, do plainly in- 
dicate and emphatically admonish that promiscuous dancing, card* 
playing, theatre-going, and all the vain and senseless amusements 
attractive and enticing to the young and unwary ; and so evil in all 
their tendencies and influences are wholly opposed to that gravity 
of mind, that dignity of character and consistent religious profession 
which should characterize the disciple of Christ. All of which is 
respectfully submitted. J. S. Ezell, Chairman, 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder M. C. Barnett, on the subject of Revivals of Religion. 

The 67th session was held at Buffalo church, York 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by 
Elder M. C. Barnett. There were 33 churches in the union, 
with a membership of 3527. 

The body organized with M, C. Barnett, Moderator, 
and Bro. R. E. Porter, Clerk. 

ORDINATION OF L. C. EZELL. 

After the appointment of the usual committees on the 
business of the Association, they received and granted 
a petition from the Shelby church, that the body ap- 
point a presbytery to examine Brother L. C. Ezell, a 
member of said church, and, if found qualified, ordain 
him to the Gospel ministry. In conformity to said 
petition the Association appointed Elders T. B. Justice, B. 
Bonner, R. P. Logan, P. R. El am and Wra. Curtis, who 
proceeded to examine and ordain Bro. L. C. Ezell, as re- 
quested. 

The ordination of Elder Ezell was not intended as a 
new departure from old usages. It was a matter of conve- 
nience, as quite a number of ministers would easily be found 
at the Association, and a good selection to make an able 
presbytery could soon be made. While it is conceded by all 
Baptists that the church holding the membership of the can- 
didate for the ministry has exclusive original jurisdiction of 
the case, and 011I3 7 asks the Association, through courtesy, 
to appoint the members of the presbytery without intending 
to recognize any inherent right of the body to exercise juris- 



118 BROAD KIVEE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

diction only by the consent of the church petitioning. All 
Baptist churches are independent sovereignties, while the 
associations are only the agents of the churches — created by 
them for specific purposes, as defined in the AssoeiationaL 
Constitutions. It is said that Mr. Jefferson, the great apos- 
tle of American liberty, got his ideas of a purely democratic 
system of government from the working machinery of a 
Baptist church near Monticello, where he lived, and we do 
not doubt it 7 for the resemblance is very great. 

HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

The following resolution was adopted ; 
Resolved, That the subject of the next Circular Letter be: "The 
History, rise and progress of the Broad River Association and 
churches composing the same, with a short biographical sketch of the 
ministers that may have belonged to that body, 

Select Committee. — The following five brethren w 7 ere 
then appointed to compile all the information they may be 
able to get bearing upon the history of this body, their own 
church, and of any prominent minister or deacon who may 
have been connected with them, to-wit : Elder Wm. Curtis, 
L.L. D. ? of Limestone Springs ; Bro. Robert White, of Cedar 
Springs; Bro. Abraham Hardin, of Antioch; Elder Tilman 
R. Gaines, of Yorkville, and Elder M. C. Barnett, of Shelby. 

The following brethren were also appointed from the 
different churches to collect and furnish historical facts con- 
cerning their respective churches, viz : Friendship, A. Smith; 
Cedar Springs, Robert White; Buck Creek, James Ezell ; 
Providence, J. R. Ellis ; El Bethel, A. S. Goudelock ; Goucher 
Creek, Edward Lipscomb; Antioch, A. Hardin; Philadel- 
phia, D. H. Smith ; Macedonia, John Byars ; Bethesda, R. C. 
Poole; Camp's Creek, E. A. Byars; State Line, K. C. Wat- 
kins; Mount Ararat^ I. Pealer ; Zion Hill, John Epton ; 
Corinth, A. McPherson ; Capernaum, L. Gardner ; Sulphur 
Springs, M. West; Unity, E. McSwain ; Upper Fair Forest, 
J. P. Fincher ; Pacolet, T. B. Goings; Gilead, L. Berry; 
Limestone Springs, William Curtis; Enon, A. C. B i gge rs ;. 
Union, P. S. Thomasson : Rutherfordton, W. O. Wallace; 
Arrowood, A. Lancaster; Mt. Lebanon, J. W. McCravv : 
Mt. Zion, T. H. Mullinax; Sardis, I). Mitchel ; Shelby, Thos. 
Williams; New Prospect, T. Dixon; Buffalo, R, E.Porter ; 
Yorkville, T. R. Gaines. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 119 

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD. 

The Executive Board reported to the Association, as 
follows: 

That they met on the 31st of August last, and carried out, so far 
as they were then able, the directions they had received. They ap- 
pointed Bro. T. R, Gaines as the Missionary of the Association at 
the rate of one dollar per day, tuiningover to him thesubseriptions > 
amounting to eighty-one dollars and twenty-five cents, with direc- 
tions to increase the same as far as he might be able. He has per- 
formed that work, and continued to labor besides throughout the 
year, for the benefit of the Yorkville and four other Baptist churches, 
and a station at Mulholland's School-house, four miles from the vil- 
lage. In this time he has preached two hundred and sixteen ser- 
mons, baptized sixty-three persons, ordained three deacons, and 
organized five Sabbath schools. He has also realized from a visit to 
Northern brethren, nearly seven hundred dollars ($700,) and from 
brethren at home obtained, in cash and subscriptions, nearly three 
hundred dollars more, for the purpose of securing a house of worship. 
He has evidently been a hard worker in the vineyard, and much 
blessed in his labors. The York Mission has now, after so many 
years of labor, become a most interesting and fruitful field. Surely, 
brethren, with the Catawba Mission so favored of the Great Head 
of the Church, and but given up when Salem became self-sustaining 
and this Mission brought to nearly the same condition, you are en- 
couraged to the work of supplying every destitute portion within 
our bounds. 

OPERATIONS OF THE BOARD, 

The Board reported to the Agent of the State Conven- 
tion what they had done, hut have received no further com- 
munication from him to the time, except that he joined in 
the appointment of Bro. Gaines to this Held. They present 
their Treasurer's Report, as follows : 

Received during past year as per Bio. Gaines' report, $60.25 

In good subscriptions of 1806 11.00 

From Financial committee of '67, as sent from churches, 23.50 
Babbath collections— specie $12.18, currency $15.25 27.38 

$122.13 
Paid to Bro. Gaines $80.00 

Balance on hand 32.13 

122.13 

The Board, in conclusion, respectfully request that you will add 

four more brethren to their number, as by a recent resolution you 

have devolved upon I hem the management of all the funds sent up 

to your body for benevolent and missionary purposes. 

Wm. Curtis, Chairman. 



120 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The Circular Letter was prepared by Elder Wm. Curtis 
on the subject of the Christian Ministry. 

The session of 1868 met at Sulphur Springs church, 
Union county, S. C. 

In the absence of Elder T. B. Justice, the appointee, 
Elder J. C. Furman, D.D., preached the introductory sermon 
from 2 Sam'l xxiv. 24. 

Dr. Wm. Curtis and Bro. J. R. Logan were appointed 
Reading Clerks, when letters were read from 33 churches, 
having a membership of 3834. 

Dr. Wm. Curtis was elected Moderator, and Bro. R. E. 
Porter, Clerk. 

J. C. Furman, D.D., was allowed to present the claims 
of Furman University, at Greenville, S. C. 

Elders J. G. Landrum, S. Drummond, T. W. Smith 
and others were present as messengers from other bodies. 

Denominational Courtesy. — Revs. A. A. James, of 
the Presbyterian, and C. S. Baird, of the Methodist Church 
being present, Bro. J. R. Logan moved that they be invited 
to seats, which was carried, and they kindly accepted the 
courtesy of the body. 

ASSOCIATIONAL HISTORY. 

On motion of Elder M. C. Barnett, the Chairman of 
the committee appointed last year to write the history of the 
Association, reported verbally that the committee had not 
tinished the work assigned them, by reason ot the failure oi 
many of those appointed to furnish any information on the 
subject; whereupon, Elder B. Bonner moved the appoint- 
ment of J. R. Logan, Jno. Byars and J. W. Montgomery, 
and that Elders J. C. Furman, D.D., and J. G. Landrum be 
requested to aid the committee in their examination of a doc- 
ument prepared by Wm. Curtis, L.L. D., with a view to 
having it published as a Circular Letter, in the Minutes of 
the present session, instead of the contemplated history not 
yet tinished, — who reported favorably, recommending the 
adoption of the document as prepared by Dr. Curtis, and its 
suitableness for publication with the Minutes of the session. 

On motion of Bro. A. M. Smith, the committee who 
were appointed last year to write the history of the Associa- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 121 

tion, be continued the present year to complete the work. 
Elder T. R. Gaines moved to add the name of J. R. Logan 
to the committee, which was agreed to. 

The following resolution was then offered and adopted : 
Resolved, That the committee be not limited to the space of an 
ordinary Circular Letter, but prepare what they think will be for 
the benefit of the Association, and that the churches be recommend- 
ed to send up greatly augmented contributions for printing the same 
the ensuing year. 

THE YORK ASSOCIATION. 

At this session the Union, Enon and York churches 
were dismissed, at their request, to aid in the formation of 
a new Association. 

REPORT OF EXECUTIVE BOARD. 

The Executive Board of Missions reported as follows, 
which was adopted : 

That they have met three times during the year and attended to 
the duties assigned them. At the first business meeting held Oct. 
23d, they settled with Bro. Gaines for his additional thirty days' ser- 
vice rendered, and paid him ; that then finding they had but twelve 
dollars in the Treasury, they addressed a letter to each church, re- 
questing them to return an answer as soon as possible as to the 
amount of money they would send up to this Association to carry 
on your operations. They received replies assuring them of about 
eighty dollars ; and therefore, considering that the most important, 
-pressing demand for assistance was the Lincolnton church, then 
about to be dissolved, determined to send Bro. Wade Hill to revive 
and sustain that infant church, if possible. He went for two months, 
and reported to us at our next meeting in May, that his visits had 
been acceptable, would result in the establishing of the church, and 
that if anything could be done to supplement his salary a small 
amount— say twenty dollars— he would accept the call of the church 
to labor with them for one year, to end in June next. This Board 
agreed to do so, and therefore this w T ork is an accomplished thing, 
with the blessing of God ; and for the proper expenditure of thirty- 
six dollars and thirty-three cents the Lincolnton church is now again 
at active work, a/id sitting with open doors to receive members and 
to do good. Your Board did not attempt more the past year, because 
they did not wish to involve the churches in any claims while the 
difficulties of the times were so great. They have now, therefore, a 
balance on hand, with the contributions given during the Associa- 
tion, of one hundred and twelve dollars and ninety-five cents in 
cash, and twenty one dollars and seventy-five cents in uncollected 
pledges, with which to push vigorous operations the ensuing year. 
They may perhaps be able to send a competent brother to every 
church, to aid in the establishing of a Sabbath school in every 
church, and supplying some especially destitute portions that raise 
16 



122 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

the Macedonia cry, "come over and help us," We urge, therefore, 
again that each church will send up to the next meeting of the As- 
sociation from at least five to ten dollars according to its ability. By 
looking into this matter at your next church meeting after receiving 
these Minutes, resolving upon it immediately and sending up word 
to your Executive Committee, you have hardly an idea of what you 
can accomplish the ensuing year. The Board will meet on Saturday, 
November 28th, at Zion Hill. By that time let a letter be sent to 
the Board, stating what may be expected as the contribution at least 
from each church. Wm, Curtis, Chairman. 

Remarks. — The foregoing shows the missionary opera- 
tions of the Association during the past year. The Sabbath 
School interest appears to be pretty well kept up, and in the 
Minutes of this session is a very good report by Elder T. R. 
Gaines as Chairman who, now being dismissed, goes to a 
new field to operate under other and different auspices. 

A STANDING DELEGATION. 

Query. — The following query from Pacolet church was 
taken up : 

"Is it consistent with Baptist usage and the Constitution of the 
Broad River Association to have a standing delegation ?" 
Answered in the affirmative. 

A DOUBTING DISCIPLE. 

Query. — The following query from Buffalo church was 
taken up : 

"What shall be done with a person who joined the church and 
was baptized when young, and was excluded from the fellowship of 
that church and claims now to have been mistaken, and professes a 
recent change of heart and desires to be re-baptized in another 
church?" 

Answer. "We believe that those persons who are most fearful of 
sin and its consequences are always the farthest from it; hence, per- 
sons sometimes think they have not been converted, and write bitter 
things against themselves, from penitency of mind and tenderness 
of heart— such the Lord delights to dwell with— and when He man- 
ifests His presence to them they take it for conversion, when it is 
only the renewing of their faith. This is the case often with many 
if not all christians. We advise that such be not re-baptized. 

The Mount Lebanon church was dismissed to join 'the 
Bethel Association. 

FAST DAY. 

Resolved, That this Association set apart for humiliation, prayer 

and thanksgiving, the last Thursday (29th) in October next, and 

that we request all the churches in our bounds to observe this day, 

by meeting at their several places of worship and returning thanks 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 123 

to Almighty God for the abundanl blessings He has vouchsafed to 
us, and implore a continuation of His mercies ; and that our messen- 
gers to the King's Mountain, the Green River, the Reedy Riverand 
the Bethel Associations be requested to lay this subject before their 
several bodies. 

The Circular Letter, prepared by Elder Wm. Curtis, 
L.L. D., in lieu of the History of the Association, on Minis- 
terial Education, was ordered to be published with the Min- 
utes of the session. 

The 69th session of the body met at Providence church, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Elder M. C. Barnett, 2d Chron. vi, 42. 

Bro. J. R. Logan and Prof. W. L. Johnson were ap- 
pointed Reading Clerks, who read letters from 27 churches. 
Membership, 3733. 

The body organized by electing Elder M. C. Barnett, 
Moderator, and Bro. P. E. Porter, Clerk. 

Visitors. — Elders T. H. Pope, representing the Baptist 
State Convention of South Carolina, W. T. Walters, D.D., 
W. D. Elkin, T. H. Smith, etc., were present from other 
bodies. 

ASS0CIATI0NAL HISTORY. 

After the appointment of the various committees on As- 
sociational work, the report of the committee appointed to 
write the History of the Association was called for, when 
the Chairman, Elder Wm. Curtis, reported verbally that the 
work was not yet completed, but would be ready to deliver 
to the printer by January next, at farthest. 

HEAD-STONE FOR Z. BLACKWELL. 

It was then moved that the Association take up a collec- 
tion from the delegates and persons present for the purpose 
of erecting a marble slab over the grave of Zechariah Black- 
well, deceased, an aged and distinguished pioneer minister 
of this Association, who has long been buried in obscurity. 
The collection amounted to ten dollars and seventy-five 
cents, and the Association appointed Dr. "William Curtis, 
H. G. GafTney and Isaac Peeler a committee to procure a 
suitable slab and set it up. 

Remarks. — Elder Zechariah Blackwell might well be 



124 BKOAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

called "one of the Lord's poor saints." Like his Master, it 
is said, he scarcely "had where to lay his head." We do not 
find, however, that he was like the Lazarus mentioned in the 
parable, "covered with sores," or that he laj T at the gates of 
the rich and received only the crumbs that fell from their 
tables, while the dogs only administered to his relief by lick- 
ing his sores ; yet we are warranted in saying that he was a 
faithful laborer in the Lord's vineyard, commencing a few 
years after the organization of the Broad River Association 
(was a delegate to the body from State Line church in 1808,) 
and continuing up to the year 184-2, when he died in the 
Gospel harness, and during that long series of years he re- 
ceived nothing from the churches where he labored more 
than a mere pittance — hardly sufficient to clothe him with 
suitable apparel to appear decently before the congregations 
where he labored. His grave was almost lost sight of, noth- 
ing having been placed there to mark the spot, but a rude, 
unscnlptured stone. 

Sardis Church. — -A committee, consisting of Elders B.- 
Bonner, M. C. Barnett and W. Hill was appointed to visit 
the Sardis church, and if, as is reported, it be found too fee- 
ble to continue its church existence, and if desired by the 
members thereof, that said committee grant unto them such 
letters of dismission or recommendation to other sister 
churches, or take such other action in the case as may be 
right and proper, both as to the church and its property, and 
report at the next meeting of the Association. 
standing; delegation again. 

On motion, took up and considered the request sent up 
from Cedar Springs and Goucber Creek churches, that the 
Association reconsider the query sent up last year from Pac- 
olet church : 

"Is it consistent with Baptist usage and the Constitution of the 
Broad River Association to have a standing delegation ?" 

Answer. "Resolved, That the Constitution does not decide the 
question." 

Resolved, That a resolution passed by this body in the year 1867, 
viz: "Resolved, That hereafter, as heretofore, all of our ordained 
Ministers — members of churches be ex officio members of this body, 
— be rescinded," . . 



BBOAD BIVEB BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 125 

Remarks. — This matter of church representation has 
heretofore been noticed in this work. The Broad River As- 
sociation never did adopt any system or constitution as an 
organic law that we can find any account of. If it did so at 

any time it must have been in the year 1800, when it was 
first organized, and by reason of the Minutes of that year 
never being published, we have ^no means of ascertaining 
whether it did or not. But it is certain that at no subsequent 
session of the body did they do so, as the Minutes of each 
session fully show. The document usually recognized as 
the Constitution was only a circular letter of the old Bethel 
.Association, and for aught we know may have been adopted 
by that body as an organic law; and the churches dismissed 
from the Bethel to form the Broad River body may have 
brought it with them and introduced it to the Convention 
that organized the Broad River Association as being suitable 
for a constitution, and that body may have adopted it, which, 
however, as above stated we can never know, unless the 
Minutes had been published. In this state of uncertainty 
the question of representation has been an open one from 
the time the Association was organized until now; and it 
sometimes happens that the brethren of one session of the 
body will by resolution make all the ordained ministers of 
the churches ex officio delegates, and another session will take 
a different view of the matter, and acting under the impres- 
sion that such a course is anti-democratic and conferring too 
much authority on the ministry, proceed at once to repeal 
in that particular what a previous session had done. There 
should be more stability one way or the other in reference 
to such matters, and associational bodies that have constitu- 
tions clearly defining their powers in this and other respects, 
will always have more quietude, and probably be better sat- 
isfied. 

Executive Board, — The Executive Board reported that 
they have not accomplished anything during the present 
year, except to settle up with Bro. Gaines, as will appear by 
the Treasurer's report herewith submitted. They met with 
a quorum but once at Antioch this last spring, and they 
could then find neither the man nor the field on which they 



126 BKOAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION", 

thought it best to labor in the present state of the country. 
They believe the plan for attending to the work is a good; 
one, but more energy must be put forth to the work. This 
report was made by the committee,, Win. Curtis, Chairman. 

The Sabbath School interest appears well kept up, and 
Union Meetings, not hitherto spoken of, appear to be mat- 
ters of interest each associational year. 

The 70th session was held at New Prospect church, 
Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Elder Wade Hill ? from Titus ii. 1. Churches, 
27 ; members, 3733. 

Elder W. Hill was elected Moderator, and Bro, R. E. 
Porter, Clerk. 

Visitors. — Under the invitation given by the Associa- 
tion, Elders J. K. Mendenhall, D.D., E. A. Poe, G. W. Rol- 
lins, R. P. Logan, K B. Cobb of Portsmouth, Va., B. G. 
Covington of Pee Dee, and J. F. Morall, D.D., Agent of the- 
Executive Board, State Convention, S. C, accepted seats in 
the body. 

After the usual routine of associational business, Elder 
B. G. Covington, Agent Southern Mission Board at Marion,. 
Ala., was heard in behalf of the objects of said Board, and 
a collection taken up. 

Elder £s T . B. Cobb delivered an address upon the Sabbath 
School cause, and took up a collection. 

FURMAN UNIVERSITY. 

The following resolution respecting Furman University 
was adopted : 

Whereas, The State Convention of the Baptist denomination 
in South Carolina, at its recent meeting in Greenville, sanctioned 
and encouraged the attempt on the part of the Board of Trustees to 
raise a permanent endowment for Furman University ; and whereas, 
the past efforts of the Baptists in South Carolina, in behalf of edu- 
cation, have been a great public benefit, and especially have been 
productive of incalculable good to the churches of our Lord Jesus 
Christ; and whereas, further, a wide door of increased usefulness 
is now opened, which must soon be entered or closed upon us, per- 
haps forever. Therefore 

Resolved 1, That this Association hereby concur in this proposed 
undertaking, and hereby most earnestly call upon the members of 
our churches to do their full share in this important work. 

Resolved 2, That one member from each church be requested to 



BROAD BIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 127 

\mdertake this work in their churches, and try to raise bonds and 
persuade our young men to enter Furman University. 

Remarks. — And the appointments were made, we think 
however, with but little success. Our Baptist people within 
the bounds of the Broad River Association had not, at that 
time, only began to appreciate the advantages and blessings 
resulting from ministerial education. Indeed a great num- 
ber of the old fathers held that human learning acquired at 
Theological schools was not at all necessary in the qualifica- 
tion of a minister of the Gospel, If an emergency arose, it 
was an easy thing, said they, for the Lord to call a minister 
from the bar or the bench, already educated for a different, 
profession, as he did Luke, the beloved physician ; or Paul, 
who had been brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, and well 
versed in all the intricate questions of the law. 

Sabbath Schools. — A good Sabbath School report ap- 
pears in the Minutes of this session by Elder T. Dixon, the 
Chairman of the Sabbath School committee, by reference to 
which it appears that object of associational work is in a 
prosperous condition. 

In our review of associational work we are somewhat 
surprised in not finding a report of some kind on the subject 
of Temperance. Is it possible that Prince Alcohol is quietly 
asleep, and disturbing neither churches or individuals within 
the bounds of the Association ? We hardly think it at all 
probable., and doubtless we shall soon hear otherwise from 
the demon of discord. 

Demise of Good Brethren. — We give the report of the 
committee on Obituaries: 

Through the goodness and mercy of God we have had but a 
comparatively small number of deaths in our body, among whom 
we have to mourn the loss of our old and beloved deacons, J. John- 
son, of Sulphur Springs, a pious and useful member— and Joseph 
Whisonant, of Antioch, who had been an efficient member for over 
fifty years, and a faithful deacon for the last thirty years. Also our 
old brothers, pious and faithful members of Buffalo — John Moore 
and John Young. N. N. Thomasson, Chairman. 

INQUIRY RESPECTING ASSOCIATIONAL HISTORY. 

Inquiries were made respecting the completion of the 
History of the Broad River Association, when Bros. J. R. 
Logan and Dr. Thos. Williams were invited to seats with the 



li& BKOAD BTVEE BAPTIST ASSO Of ATTGX. 

body, and examined in reference to the sanity of Dr. Y\ n. 
Curtis who, as Chairman of the committee on that work had 
hi his hands the records of churches, and other documents 
relative to the contemplated history. These brethren gave 
it as their opinion that said chairman was not at that time of 
perfect mind and memory, whereupon the Association directed 
Elder M. C. Barnett te- render such aid as he misrht be able., 
and have the work published at as early a day as possible, 
and at such length as he and the Clerk may think the money 
on hand will pay for, and have a sufficient number of copies 
for distribution. ' 

The church at Rutheribrdton was dismissed at tbis ses^ 
sion to go back to Green River. 

Executive Board. — That the reader may be able to see 
what was accomplished as missionary operations in the Broad. 
River Association, we will give the report for this year of 
the Executive Board ; 

Dear Brethren :— Your Board very much regret that they have 
to say they have not been able to procure a meeting during the past 
year owing, in part, to the fact that we had no Minutes printed for 
last vera', and consequently did not know when and where the Union- 
meetings were to be held with which we were directed by the Asso- 
ciation to convene ; and another cause was that, knowing there was 
only a small amount of funds in the hands of the Treasurer — say 
some thirty-five dollars on which they could operate— they did not 
deem it hardly necessary to urge a meeting, although they made one 
or two attempts to meet, but failed in getting a quorum. 

Finally, brethren, we think that the most efficient way to pro- 
cure the means with which to operate in sending the blessed work 
of God to all the waste and benighted places throughout our land, 
is for the churches to adopt some plan of systematic beneficence, 
and we would prayerfully suggest that the delegates be requested 
that when they return to their churches, they will immediately and 
urgently lay that plan before them. All of which is respectfully 
submitted. H. G. Gaffney, Secretary. 

The session of 1871 met at Philadelphia church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was deliv- 
ered by Elder W. L. Brown, John v. 39. The union con- 
sisted of 29 churches; membership, 3712. 

Pleasant Grove and Brown's Chapel, new churches, 
were admitted into the body at this session. 

The Association organized by electing Elders M. C. 
Barnett, Moderator, and Landrum C. Ezell, Clerk. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 129 

Elders M. V. B. Lankford, T. II. Smith, T. R. Gaines, 
J. L. Vass, etc., were received from other bodies. 

To Answer Query. — After the usual routine ot business, 
the body appointed N". B. Cobb, J. S. Ezell, B. Bonner^ J. 
R, Logan, II. Borders and Wm. S. Smith to answer a query 
from Providence church : 

"What shall be done with a sister who married and separated 
from her husband, and then joined the church and married a second 
husband — both husbands still living?" 

The committee answered as follows : "After conference with 
the delegates from Providence church, your committee are of opinion 
that the above query does not cover all the facts of the particular 
case wherein advice is sought. They would therefore refer the query 
back to the church, with advice that a council or presbytery be called 
in from other churches to confer with them on the matter. 

N. B. Cobb, Chairman." 

ELDER BARNETT CALLED ON FOR REPORT. 

Elder M. C. Barnett having been put in charge of the 
papers and documents out of which the History of the Asso- 
ciation was to be prepared, was called on for a report. He 
stated that he had complied with the request made at the 
last session, and that there was still due for publishing and 
freight, $ , which the Association resolved to pay. 

COMPENSATION TO WRITER. 

On motion, a committee was then appointed to consider 
and recommend the amount to be given the writer for his 
trouble and labor in preparing the History, who awarded 
the sum of fifty dollars. 

Temperance. — At this session a committee was appoint- 
ed on Temperance, who reported through their Chairman as 
follows : 

Temperance is truly designated as one of the christian graces. 
It was inculcated by the great Author of our being, at a very early 
period of the world's history, in the garden of Eden. It was taught 
not only theoretically, but practically, by the Savior of the world, 
while tabernacling here among the children of men by an upright 
deportment, godly walk and holy conversation. It has also been 
ably advocated by the inspired writers of the Holy Scriptures The 
great Apostle to the Gentiles reasoned before the secular authorities 
of his day, of this and other eminent christian virtues, by which he 
no doubt meant temperance generally in all things : in meat, drink, 
the putting on of apparel, worldly business, conversation, social in- 
tercourse, etc. Extremes in everything were to be carefully and 
studiously avoided as useless superfluities, and tending only to wick- 
edness and sin. We are exhorted by the highest authority to be 

17 



130 BKOAD EIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

temperate in all things. This christian virtue should ever adorn 
the christian profession, and should be a distinguishing badge or 
characteristic of every child of God, or member ot His visible king- 
dom on earth. 

But. dear brethren, what do our eyes oftentimes behold in the 
walks of life — even among the professors of the christian religion ? 
Do we not often witness with sadness the evil genius of intemper- 
ance in many things, stalking about in our midst as a baneful pesti- 
lence at noon day, disturbing the peace and quiet of the churches of 
Jesus Christ, and even whole communities, poisoning the very foun- 
tains of morality and true and vital piety? Alas! alas! it is but 
too true. Why is this? Has the goodly laws and regulations of 
State proved defective ? Is there no restraining virtue in temporal 
organizations— have their efforts all failed and perished with the 
using ? Verily it seems as if this is but too true, and we are made to 
exclaim in the language of holy writ, "vain is the help of man." 
What then is to be done? Shall we supinely fold our arms and bid 
the demon of intemperance to enter in among us unopposed? — to 
the certain destruction of the old landmarks that once characterized 
the churches of Christ, obliterating all distinctions betwixt the 
church and the world — uprooting and subverting the temple of our 
civil liberty, upon which rest our religious privileges? God forbid ! 
No, let every one that calls upon the name of the Lord, himself de- 
part from iniquity. Let all true followers of Christ be united and 
more vigilant as they see the evil approaching, and, as one man in 
the strength of the Lord, present a bold front against the great and 
destructive flood of vice. 

Let the churches use and enforce Gospel discipline more effect- 
ively. Let them frown down vice and folly in whatever form pre- 
sented, and thereby preserve a purer membership; and especially 
should the churches discipline all of their members who indulge 
too freely in the intoxicating bowl; let such beheld to a strict ac- 
countability at the bar of the church for conduct so licentious and 
damaging to the cause of religion. If any persist in a course of con- 
duct so reprehensible after being properly admonished, let them be 
cut off at once as cumberers of the cause which they have falsely 
professed to love and cherish. Then, and not till then, will the 
churches have rest, and the cause of religion flourish in our borders. 
Respectfully submitted. J. It. Logan, Chairman. 

Pending the motion to adopt, remarks were made by 
Elders Brown and Hill, after which the report was unani- 
mously approved. 

The demise of Bro. Joseph Mullinax, of Antioch church, 
and the father of two ministers, Elders Madison Mullinax 
and Thomas H. Mullinax, is noticed in the Minutes of this 
session. He died Aug. 2d, 1871 ; had united with the above 
church at its constitution in 1815, and from that time to the 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 131 

day of his death had walked worthy of the vocation where- 
with he was called. 

GKAVE-STONES OF Z. BLACKWELL AGAIN. 

The Association, at a former meeting, having raised 
$14.75 to erect a monument over the grave of our much 
esteemed brother, Elder Zechariah Blackwell, on motion, 
the amount was increased to $25.75, and Bro. J. R. Jefferies 
was appointed to have the work done. 

A COLORED MISSIONARY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Having heard through Elder K. B. Cobb a request from 
the colored Baptists of Cleveland and Gaston counties, ~N. 
C, for aid to organize a Missionary Association, the follow- 
ing brethren were appointed to meet with them and aid in 
such organization, viz: N. B. Cobb, T. Dixon, L. C. Ezell, 
J. R. Logan and T. H. Mullinax. 

The churches of Shelby, New Prospect and Capernaum 
were, at thier own request, dismissed from this body to join 
the King's Mountain Association. 

DOMESTIC AND INDIAN MISSIONS. 

We give entire the report of the committee on Domes- 
tic and Indian Missions, that the reader may more fully 
understand the nature and object of that branch of associa- 
tional work : 

Your committee beg leave to report that, although no reports on 
these subjects have appeared in our former Minutes, yet we are sure 
they are subjects of practical importance, and more especially at this 
time. Your committee desire to submit to you as an Association, 
and through you to all the Churches and members of the same, the 
great importance of a missionary in our own territory. We feel that 
at this time there is a great need of interchange and a reciprocation 
of pulpit labors, Further, owing to the fact that the negroes in our 
bounds and elsewhere show a disposition to organize churches of 
their own, and inasmuch as they have but few educated, informed 
ministers, we ought to have one or more discreet and intelligent 
ministers to labor among them — to distribute Bibles and religious 
tracts— to point out to them in a clear and concise manner the doc- 
trines and usages of our churches. By so doing we feel sure that a 
growing superstition would be repelled, that a prevailing prejudice 
which has been infused into their minds by partisans and dema- 
gogues, would be overcome, and the two races placed on more amica- 
ble and peaceful terms. They are now an element of power in our 
country, led on by unscrupulous and unprincipled men, and to coun- 
teract such influences as are infused into their minds we must prove 



132 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

to them that wo are their friends, and we know of no other channel 
through which we can do this so well as in the disseminating of the 
Gospel and religious instruction among them. 

Surely none need be convinced of the fact that every portion of 
this great field — not only of our own State, but every State and Ter- 
ritory in this great nation — needs a pure Gospel ; and when the voice 
of Revelation is ringing out, "Come up to the help of the Lord — to 
the help of the Lord against the mighty" — none ought to say, "I 
pray thee have me excused" 

And as for the Indians, who were the owners and masters of our 
forests and fields, whereon we have raised our families and accumu- 
lated our wealth, but who have been driven from them (for whom 
there is but little room on this Continent, and whose sojourn in time 
is short,) brethren! we owe it to them under God to aid in sowing 
among them the good seed of the kingdom, to be "fellow-helpers to 
the Truth," in breaking to them the bread of life — in bearing to 
them the cup of salvation ; and your committee feels that there is 
annually expended (and worse than thrown away) upon our unchas- 
tened appetites, and hung in superfluities upon our persons, sums of 
money sufficient to meet all their wants. We need more of the 
"Spirit of Jesus." 

The object of the Domestic and Indian Mission Board of the 
Southern Baptist Convention is to send the Gospel to all the desti- 
tute persons and places in the fourteen States and two Territories 
within their limits. These States are inhabited by thousands of per- 
sons who have come to us from across me waters — from Britain, 
Germany, France, Italy, China and Africa — besides the scattered 
tribes of our own West. These need the Gospel. They will be lost 
without it. The wants of these must be met by the Baptists of the 
South. The success of this Board in the past is quite encouraging 
There never was greater encouragement to labor than at present; 
hundreds have already accepted Jesus as their Savior through this 
instrumentality. 

During the past quarter there were two hundred and seventy- 
nine whites, thirty-five Indians and thirty-five negroes baptized by 
its missionaries. Among the three Indian nations (the Creeks, the 
CheroKees and the Choctaws) are four missionaries from the Stale of 
Georgia — all supported by four different associations of that State. 
Added to this are four native preachers to the Creeks. 

The claim of this work upon us is very great. It should enlist 
our prayers and sympathies and reach our pockets. The Chinaman 
is being brought to our country to labor on our farms and to build 
our railroads. It is through this mission we can reach them and 
accomplish great good. The Master calls each one to work in His 
vineyard. J. S. Ezell, Chairman. 

EXECUTIVE BOARD. 

As we have been tracing the annual operations of the 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 133 

Executive Board of Missions of the Broad River Association, 
M T e will therefore give the report for this year: 

From past experience we have thought it advisable not to create 
&ny pecuniary 1 nihilities, and although we are anxious to labor in 
•building' up the kingdom of our Master at home, yet, being short of 
means, we were forced to allow another year to pa^s without any 
material advantage gained on our part. 

We are gratified that we can announce the intelligence that the 
Board is out of debt, with the exception of the arrearages due on the 
publication of the History of our Association. An unexpended bal- 
ance remains on hand, as will be seen by the Treasurer's Report. 
With this amount, it is true, we might have performed a small 
amount of work, but we have thought it best to wait, in the hope 04 
being able to add this to the larger contributions of your present 
meeting, which might enable us to accomplish more extensive work. 

There is great destitution in regard to the preaching of the Gos- 
pel in our bounds. Nor is this all. The absorbing influences of the 
world, its fashions and its pleasures, are getting such a hold upon 
us that religion is regarded only as a secondary consideration. 

Taking into consideration this condition of our country, your 
Board were anxious to be at work, but their treasury was empty. 
Do our pastors do their duty? Do they preach the whole truth, 
shunning not to declare the whole council of God? They can an- 
swer for themselves. Do our churches do their duty ? Do they give 
liberally and bountifully, as God has been liberal and bountiful in 
bestowing blessings upon them ? 

Dear brethren, we can do but little except you aid us liberally. 
Will you not seek earnestly and prayerfully to know your duty, and 
thereby enable us to do ours ? 

We would earnestly recommend that the ministers of this Asso- 
ciation lay the claims of your Board before their respective charges 
nt least at the last church meetings before the assembling of the 
Association. M. C. Eaknktt, Chairman. 

Remarks. — Now we gather iafbrmuti'on from the second 
paragraph of the foregoing report, — that the Executive Board 
was out of debt, excepting some "arrearage on the publica- 
tion of the History of the Association," and we are naturally 
led to inquire, if the publication of Associational histories 
was one of the objects of the Missionary Boards of the body ? 
We do not think that it was. And if the missionary funds 
were used in that way much or little it was certainly a breach 
of trust, and a diversion of the funds intended for missions 
to an object not contemplated in the formation of the differ- 
ent boards of the Association. We hope, however, some 
good was done. 



134 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The 72nd session met at Arrowood church; Spartanburg: 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was preached by 
Elder J. G. Carter, from Job xxi. 15. The Sandy Springs- 
church, from Green River Association,, was admitted into- 
the union at this session, — making 26 churches in all, with 
a membership of 3129. 

After reading letters from the churches, Elders Bryant 
Bonner was elected Moderator and W. L. Brown r Clerk. 

PALMETTO ORPHAN HOME. 

After the appointment of committees and reception of 
Corresponding Messengers from other bodies, etc., Elder T. 
i£, Gaines was invited to address the Association in behalf 
of the Palmetto Orphan Home. Bro. Gaines spoke of the 
work in which he was engaged, and succeeded in enlisting 
the sympathies of the Association. After which a handsome 
collection was taken up for the objects of the Orphan Home 
and the following resolution was adopted; 

Resolved, That this Association has heard, with deep interest, 
the address of Bro. Gaines, and that we will lay the matter before 
our churches and strive to interest them in the work. 
SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE, 

The subject of systematic beneficence was brought up 
for discussion, which, after being pretty thoroughly ventila- 
ted, resulted in the adoption of the following resolution : 

Resolved, That the members of this Association be requested to 
urge upon their churches the necessity of some plan of "systematic 
beneficence," and we recommend that as much as twenty-five cents 
per member be raised during the year for missions. 

Fokeign Missions. — We give the report on Foreign 
Missions as being appropriate at this juncture, after the ill 
fate of the Pope : 

Your committee on Foreign Missions find great reasons why we 
should be encouraged in our efforts to aid in the spread of the Gos- 
pel, since our Savior said to His desciples, "The Gospel must first 
be preached among all nations:" "Go ye into all the world and 
preach the Gospel to every creature." The kingdom of Christ has 
been making steady progress in the world. During the last eighteen 
centuries the Gospel of Christ has made the peaceable conquest of 
many heathan nations, overturning their idols and false religions. 
This work is now progressing most encouragingly in China, India, 
Italy, Japan, Africa and many other heathen lands. But surely 
Italy furnishes the most unmistakable evidence of the progressive 
power of the Gospel. 

For twelve centuries Rome was the seat of Anti-Christ. There 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 135 

Che Pope swayed the sceptre of churches and kingdoms, causing 
-bishops and kings to do his bidding. There the great prosecuting 
power that destroyed so many saints sat enthroned. But the Gospel 
.has at last overcome the Pope. "The accuser of our brethren is cast 
down." — Rev. xii. 10. ''He that leadeth into captivity shall go into 
■captivity; but he that killeth with the sword must be killed with 
the sword." — Rev. xiii. 10. The fulfillment of these prophecies are 
now taking place in Rome, "Babylon is fallen." — Rev. xiv. 8. The 
preaching of the Gospel and the patience of the saints have gotten 
the victory. This is the work of the Lord, and it is marvelous in 
our eyes. The reaping time is come. Let us "thrust in the sickle 
and reap, for the time is come for us to reap, for the harvest of the 
earth is ripe." — Rev, xiv. 15. 

Italy, France. Spain, all Europe, and all Roman Catholic coun- 
tries are now open to the preaching of the Gospel. From this day 
the curse of God will be visited on "him who worships the beast and 
his image, and receives the mark in his forehead and in his harul." 
— Rev. xiv, 9. Romanism will henceforth rapidly decline under the 
light and liberty which the Gospel is now giving to the nations. 

Your committee w r ould call the special attention of the churches 
of the Association to the work now in progress in Italy. A Baptist 
church has been constituted in the city of Rome, and many others 
in other parts of Italy, since the downfall of the Pope, The Foreign 
.Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has sent faithtul 
missionaries into Italy, whose labors are wonderfully blessed. Our 
brethren in the United States are raising money to build a house of 
worship for our Baptist brethren in Rome. It is expected that South 
Carolina will raise two thousand dollars for this purpose. This As- 
sociation should at once do what she can for this object. As we 
daily behold the fulfilling of the prophecies concerning the triumph 
•of the Gospel over all the world, and the coming of the day when 
they that have gotten the victory over the beast and all his allies, 
>shall stand on the sea of glass with the harp of God, singing the 
song of Moses and the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are 
Thy works, Lord God Almighty ;" as we look forward to the coming 
of the blessed millennium let us all become more faithful, zealous 
and liberal in one common effort to spread the Gospel. Our Foreign 
Mission Board is located in Richmond, Virginia, and contributions 
for the foreign mission work should be sent to H. A. Tupper, Rich- 
mond, Va. Respectfully submitted, 

J. G. Carter, Chairman. 
There was also a good report made by Bro. John R. 
Jefferies as Chairman of the committee on Home Missions, 
which we would reproduce if our space allowed. 

EXECUTIVE BOARD. 

The Executive Board of Missions, through Elder W. L. 
Brown as Chairman, made a verbal report in relation to its 
operations substantially as follows : 



im BRO A D R I VER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.. 

That owing to the troublous times of the past year, the BoarcE 
did not have a full meeting, consequently they had been unable to- 
do anything; but that the new board had organized and employed 
Elder Wade Hill as missionary in the bounds of the Association for 
two months, and earnestly desire if the board can obtain means to- 
keep him in the field for a greater length of time. 

Deaths. — The demise of Elder J. G. Kendrick is noticed 
in the Minutes of this session. He died June 6, 1872, after 
a few days' illness of apoplexy, in the 69th year of his age. 
(See biographical sketch of him in this work.) The demise 
of Deacon E. A. Byars 7 of Camp's Creek ehurch 7 for many 
years a model of piety and good works, and much esteemed 
by all who knew him 7 is reported in the Minutes of this year. 

Mt. Zion. — A letter of dismission was granted the 
Mount Zion church, at her request, to join the King's Moun- 
tain Association. 

The 73d session met at Antioch church, York county,, 
S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder 
Bryant Bonnei\ Isaiah ix. 6\ 

The union' consists of 25 churches ; membership, 3042. 

The body organized by electing Elder John S. Ezeli„ 
Moderator, and Elder W. L. Brown, Clerk. 

HEAD-STONES OF Z. BLACKWELL. 

After the appointment of committees, <&c, the commit- 
tee on the erection of head and foot-stones in memory of 
Elder Zechariah Blackwell, reported : 

That they have information. as to the grave-yard in which Elder 
Blackwell was interred, but are still unable to identify the exact 
spot. They think they may be able to do so, and ask for further 
time. Respectfully, &c, H. G. Gaffney, Chairman. 

The Executive Board of Missions reported : 
.Immediately after the present board was appointed, it organized 
and secured the services of Elder W. Hill, who entered the field on 
the 5th Sabbath in September, 1872, and rode as its missionary for 
two months. Bro. Hill's time expired November 30th. The board 
met November, 1872, at the house of Bro. J. R. Jefferies, received the 
report of Bro. Hill and paid his salary — sixty dollars. Bro. Hill re- 
ported that he had visited most of the churches in the Association, 
On week days the congregations were small, but large on Sabbaths. 
Some of the churches gave signs of looseness in discipline, and neg- 
ligence in keeping their houses of worship. He was generally 
warmly received, and we are hopeful that his plain, earnest preach- 
ing has produced good results. Your board has also assisted the 
Unity Church to the amount of twenty-rive dollars. Bro. John Tol- 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 137 

leson has been preaching there once per month, we trust with good 

results. 

Your board has sadly felt the need of the sympathy and contri- 
butions of the churches, and are sorry we have so little of the latter. 
It is with sadness we report that some of the members of the boaid 
never attended its meetings. For the want of funds the board could 
do nothing- during- the past spring and summer. 

In retiring we would respectfully recommend that the board be 
abolished, or that it be furnished with funds with which to do some- 
thing. Respectfully, &c, W. L. Brown, Chairman. 

Demise of M. C. Barnett.. — The committee on Obitua- 
rise reported the demise of Elder Micajah C. Barnett, on the 
20th of September of the year 1872, in the town of Shelby, 
y. C, and, on motion, the delegates of El Bethel church 
(where Elder Barnett was a member) had leave to address 
the body in reference to a monument designed to be erected 
to his memory in their cemetery. 

Bro. J. R. Jetfcries stated that it was intended to erect 
a plain, neat monument — one that would do credit to El 
Bethel church, to this Association, and to the Baptist de- 
nomination. That a suitable committee had been appointed 
by the church to receive funds for the object, and to purchase 
the monument, and superintend the placing of it over the 
grave. In closing his remarks he made an earnest and touch- 
ing appeal to the delegates and churches to aid in the work. 
One hundred and twenty dollars was raised, and the delegates 
instructed to lay the matter before their churches immedi- 
ately on their return home, and solicit funds to be forwarded 
to the committee. We refer the reader to the biographical 
sketch of Elder Barnett in this work. 

DEACON THOMPSON ROBBS AND OTHERS. 

The demise of Deacon Thompson Robbs, of State Line 
church, u a man of exemplary piety and much beloved by his 
church." Also Deacon A. Lovelace, of Arrowood church, 
who died July 16th, 1873, "in the triumphs of the Gospel 
faith." And our aged and much beloved brother, J. M. By- 
ars, of Pacolet church, "who was an humble christian, a de- 
voted lover of his church and pastor, and a liberal supporter 
of all benevolent objects." And also Sister Caroline More- 
head, daughter of Elder J. G. Kenclrick, "who was for a num- 
ber of years greatly afflicted, and bore it all with christian 
18 



138 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

fortitude, and died resigned to the Lord's will." These are 
noticed in the Minutes of this session. 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 

The body was entertained with the reading of good, re- 
ports on the various branches of associational work — Foreign 
and Home Missions, Sabbath Schools, Temperance, Associa- 
tional Correspondence, etc., all of which seemed to be in 
rather a languishing condition, but the brethren appeared 
loath to give them up, and still urged them as strongly as 
ever upon the attention of the churches. We hope to see 
in the examination of the Minutes of future sessions not yet 
reached, that their efforts were not altogether in vain. 

Ajs'tioch Church. — The Antioch church was dismissed 
at this session to unite with the King's Mountain Association. 

The 74th session met at Pleasant Grove church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was preach- 
ed by Elder J. G. Carter, Matt. xxv. 15. The union consisted 
of 25 churches; membership, 3110. 

The body organized by electing J. S. Ezeil, Moderator, 
T3ro. R. E. Porter, Clerk, and H. G. Gaffney, Treasurer. 

Visitors. — After the usual appointment of committees, 
&c, Prof. J. B. Patrick and Elders G. S. Anderson and 
Win. Williams, D.D., made urgent appeals in behalf of the 
Theological Institution at Greenville, S. C. 

TOMB-STONES EOR Z. BLACKWELL. 

The committee appointed three years ago to erect tomb- 
stones over the grave of Elder ZechariahBlackwell, reported 
as follows : 

Your committee beg leave to report that they have procured 
from Mr. John Geddes, of Spartanburg, S. C, a set of white marble 
grave-stones. The head-stone is oval top, with shoulders, and has 
an open Bible carved upon it ; also has a granite base. The follow- 
ing is the inscription : "Erected by the Broad River Association, in 

memory of Elder Z, Blackwell, who died , aged 84 years. He 

is not dead, but sleepeth." 

His grave has been pointed out in the family grave-yard at old 
Bro. Isaac Peeler's, in Union county. S. C. 

* H. G. Gaffney, Chairman. 

The Executive Board reported for the associational year 
ending September 10th, 1874 : 

The present board was organized September 14th, 1873, and held 
eight meetings during the year, a quorum being always present. We 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 189 

ifegret to say that we have been deprived of the services of our 
esteemed br Jther, W. Allen, during the whole year, on account of 
sickness, Wo have aided Unity church to the amount of $10. OJ in 
supporting their pastor, and also to the amount of $54.75 in comple- 
ting' their house of worship We have aided Limestone church to 
the amount of $25.00 in supporting her pastor. We co-operated with 
trie Executive Board of the State Convention in securing a mission- 
ary during the summer months. We hereby annex an extract <,f 
Elder J. W. Perry's report : 

I began work on the 7th day of June, 1874, and closed August 
23d. I preached every time an opportunity afforded, but was disap- 
pointed in some of my appointments. As to the religious condition 
of the churches that I visited, I can say that there is vast room for 
improvements in most of them — some seem to be doing well, others 
are in a lamentable condition, without life enough to maintain any- 
thing like a wholesome discipline. Some even have office-bearers 
of such as the Apostle Paul says we must not associate with, or even 
e.it. — 1 Cor. v. 11. But there is some splendid material that I have 
met with in my short acquaintance in your section, and there is only 
needed plenty of the right sort of work, and an humble reliance on 
the Holy Spirit to make it an enviable field. 

The state of our funds warranted the employing of another mis- 
sionary for a short time. We employed Elder J. G. Carter, whose 
report is annexed for information : 

I began labor on the 19th of July and ended on the 9th of Sep- 
tember. Preached 34 sermons, read the Scriptures and held prayer 
meetings as often as opportunity offered. I found some of the 
churches prosperous and others in a cold state. There is great need 
of missionary labor within your bounds, and 1 would urge that steps 
be taken to send the Gospel to the destitute places. 

The following is an extract of Elder John Tolleson's 
report of his services at Unity church : 

The church is in a prosperous condition, with a new house partly 
built. The large attendance and good attention to the preaching of 
the Gospel urges me to beg that you continue your aid in sending 
the preached Word to this church. Send some one who you think 
will do the most good. 

In retiring, your board can but say that we feel encouraged at 
the success of the past year, and still recommend to your body to 
urge upon the churches the great necessity of sending forward funds 
to sustain the board in their work. For an account of the manner 
in wmich your funds have been expended during the past year, we 
refer you to the Treasurer's report. 

W. L. Brown, Chairman. 
Good reports were made on Sabbath Schools, State of 
Religion, Domestic and Foreign Missions, etc. 

Deaths.- — Bro. H. G. Gatfney was added to the commit- 
tee on Obituaries, and, after consultation, that committee 



140 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

reported the demise of Elder Wm. Curtis, L.L. D., who bad 
been a prominent member of the body for several years. His 
death took place October 30th, 1873, in Walthoursville, Lib- 
erty county, Ga. (See biography of Dr. William Curtis in 
this work.) 

The decease of Deacon James Ezell, of Buck Creek 
church is also noticed. "He had long been a faithful mem- 
ber and deacon of the church, but is now gone to his reward. 
The church has sustained a great loss in his death, but her 
loss is his eternal gain. His life was a living epistle known 
and seen of all men. 

RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF J. E. BURGESS. 

The following was introduced and adopted : 
Resolved, That we recommend to the churches composing the 
Broad River Association, that they aid Bro. J. E. Burgess in acquir* 
ing an education, as he feels it his duty to preach the Gospel; that 
our Executive Board be instructed to take such action in the case as 
they may think best. 

Pending the adoption of the foregoing resolution there 
w T ere raised from the delegates and congregation over one 
hundred dollars for the above object. 

The 75th session met at Mount Ararat church, Union 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered by 
Elder J. S. Ezell, from Rom. i. 16. Abino'ton Creek church 
was admitted at this session, — making a union of 26 churches, 
with a membership of 2996. 

The body organized by electing Elder J. G. Carter, 
Moderator, Bros. J. R. Jetferies, Clerk, and H. G. Gaffney. 
Treasurer. 

After the usual routine of business the Executive Board 
reported : 

The present board was organized October 3d, 1874, and held six 
meetings during the year, a quorum being always present. Your 
board have to regret that some of its members have been very remiss 
in their attendance. According to a resolution passed at the last 
meeting of the Association, we made arrangements for Bro. Burgess 
to go to school at Woodruff's, in Spartanburg county, Bro. H. P. 
Griffith the principal, charging him no tuition. Bro. Burgess en- 
tered the school at the beginning of the year. Bro. Griffith reports 
that he is making fine progress, and is entirely worthy of your sup- 
port. 

Early in the Spring the board desired to supply Gaffney Station 
with preaching at least once a month, with the view of building a 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 14r 

uliurch there, but for sonic 1 time was not able to secure a suitable 
man. Following the instructions of the board the Chairman secured 
the services of Elder J. D. Jamison. Bro. Jamison went to Gaffhey 
on the third Sunday in August, and will also be there the next third 
Sunday. His continuance jit that point is a matter for the new board 
In May we employed Elder B. Bonner to go and establish a preach- 
ing point or the west side of Broad River. You arc referred to his 
report for further information in reference to this field. Your board 
has also assisted the Unity church, in York county, to the amount 
of thirty dollars in sustaining their pastor. We refer you to the 
Treasurer's report for the manner in^which your funds have been 
expended. Respectfully submitted. 

W. L. Brown, Chairman. 
Elder B. Bonner made a report of his operations, which 
bade fair to be productive of much good, and was satisfactory 
to the Association. 

RETAILING ARDENT SPIRITS. 

The query from Corinth church was taken up, viz : 
"Is a church in order that holds members in its fellowship who 
•are engaged in retailing ardent spirits to use as a beverage ? If not, 
what should be done with such a church ?" 

Answer. "Labor with them. Try to show them the error of 
their course, and reclaim them if possible. If they persist, with- 
draw from them." 

SPARTANBURG ASSOCIATION. 

Philadelphia, Sulphur. Springs, Limestone and Buffalo 
churches were dismissed — the three first to aid in the forma- 
tion of the Spartanburg Association, and the fourth or last 
to join the King's Mountain body again. 

We find in the report of the committee on Obituaries a 
notice of the demise of Deacon John Byars, of Macedonia 
church, "who had been for nearly fifty years a fearless soldier 
of Christ, and the bright, Christian example of his life is a 
pattern worthy of our immitation. He had filled the office 
of deacon for years with satisfaction and spiritual profit to 
his brethren, and his death is deeply felt by all with whom 
he was associated. He died on the 30th of November, 1874, 
in the full triumph of christian faith." 

Good Reports. — All the objects of associational work 
appears well represented on the Minutes of the session in the 
shape of good reports. 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
J. G. Carter, on the final perseverance of the saints in grace. 



U2 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The 76th session met at Zion Hill church, Spartanburg" 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered bjr 
Elder J. M. Williams, Matt. vii. 24. The union consists at 
tiiis session of 21 churches and a membership of 2720. 

The body was organized by the election of Elder J. G, 
Carter, Moderator, J. R. Jefferies,. Clerk, and W. L. Goude- 
lock, Treasurer. 

Messengers.— Elders J. G. Landrum and J.. S. Ezell 
were received as messengers from the Spartanburg Associa- 
tion, recently formed. 

The body proceeded to appoint the usual committees on 
the different objects of associational work. 

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARI>. 

The present board was organized September 18th, 1875, and held 
f mr meetings during the year. Your board have to regret that we- 
failed to get a quorum together at two regular meetings, conse- 
quently we could transact no business. We earnestly recommend 
to your body to appoint such brethren on the board as will devote 
so much of their time and talents to the interests of the board as it 
demands. We have to say that we have not been able to put a mis- 
sionary in the field this year for the lack of funds, there not having: 
been any means provided at your last meeting for the use of this 
board. Our Bro. Burgess, for whom you raised one hundred dollars 
in cash and pledges, to be used for his education during this year, 
failing to avail himself of this fund, we decided that we could not 
use it for any other purpose. We therefore asked the churches to 
give us one-half the amount pledged by them for Bro. Burgess, to be 
used in doing missionary work, but the churches did not respond ; 
and this accounts for the reason why we have no missionary in the 
field. We have aided Unity church to the amount of fifteen dollars 
in supporting their pastor, and regret that we were not able to aid 
them more. We endeavored at one time to have monthly preaching 
at the stand occupied by Bro. Bonner last year, but on account of 
not getting a sufficient number of the Board together to transact 
business, we failed. At one time we authorized Bro. Brown to go 
to the neighborhood of Mount Tabor, in Union county, to try to 
establish a preaching place on the south side of Paeolet, where there 
is no church for twelve or fifteen miles below, but on account of the 
flood which was on the third Sunday in June, he was prevented 
from reaching his appointment, since which time we have had no 
board meeting. We recommend that you adopt some plan of syste- 
matic beneficence, monthly or quarterly, for the use of this board. 
We refer you to the Treasurer's account for the manner in which 
your funds have been expended. J. R Jeffertes, 

For the Board. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. M3 

THE CONDESCENSION OF CHRIST, 

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down 
Ins life for his friends." Our hlessed Savior did this on Cal- 
vary for a lost and ruined world, and after Mis resurrection 
commissioned His disciples, and bade -them, "Go ye into all 
the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that 
believeth and is baptized, shall be saved ; but he that believ- 
eth not, shall be damned." The Apostle Paul inquires; 
""And how shall they preach except they be sent ? as it is 
written, 'How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the 
Gospel of peace, and fering glad tidings of good things !' " 
It is certainly the duty of the churches to contribute of their 
means with which God has blest them to send the Gospel 
into every dark nook and corner of the world, where it has 
not heretofore been sent, and to hold up the hands of those 
who are engaged in propagating and contending for the true 
faith as once delivered to the saints. In looking at the ope- 
rations of the executive board of the Broad River Associa- 
tions, we are reminded of an old problem brought to our 
-attention in our juvenile or school-boy years,- "If a frog leaps 
into a well sixty feet deep, and in endeavoring to get out he 
leaps two feet up and falls back two and a half feet every 
time he makes an effort, how long will he be engaged in 
-again getting to the surface ?" We think he might continue 
through the ceasekss ages of eternity to make efforts of than 
kind, and never extricate himself from the dilemma in which, 
for the want of proper caution, he has placed himself. In 
like manner the executive board of the Broad River Associ- 
ation will find out that, under the regime of former years, 
their efforts to evangelize even the waste and neglected 
places within the bounds of the Association will prove a 
failure, let alone the making of aggressive movements against 
the errors and irregularities of other sects of professing 
christians. As the day of miracles is said to have passed 
(and taking it for granted as true.) it will require a much 
larger amount of funds than has heretofore been raised by 
the churches to procure the necessary appliances to make 
headway against those already largely in the ascendency, 
and well foriiiied and established in the positions they now 



1U BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

occupy. It will require the best talent that can be brought 
to the front, and well skilled workmen not only in theology 
but in strategy as well, to make the desired impression, and 
to break up systems which, although considered heterodox 
and unscriptural, are yet backed up by their advocates with 
every needed appliance that money and talent can procure. 

Deaths. — We see noticed in the Minutes of this session 
the demise of two worthy deacons, Brethren Edward Lip- 
scomb, of Goucher Creek church, and Lemuel C. Clements,, 
of Arrowood church. They had both adorned their profes- 
sion, it is said, and purchased to themselves great boldness 
in the faith, and have now entered upon their eternal rest 
which remains for the people of God." 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Bro. 
J, R. Jefferies, on the teachings of Christ. 

The session was characterized by efforts in behalf of the 
different objects of associational work, on each of which 
there were good reports made to the body. 

The 77th session met at Friendship church, Spartanburg 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was preached by 
Elder T. J. Taylor, John ix. 4. Mount Joy church was ad- 
mitted into the union. Membership of the 21 churches in 
confederacy, 2656. 

The Association organized by electing Elder J. M. Wil- 
liams, Moderator, Bro. J. K. Jefferies, Clerk, and W. L. 
Goudeiock, Treasurer. 

After making the usual appointments of committees, 
&c, the following resolution was adopted : 

THE EMPLOYMENT OF AN EVANGELIST. 

That it is the sense of this Association that our board ought to 
employ an evangelist for the whole year to preach to the destitute 
places in our bounds, and the board is hereby requested to employ 
such evangelist and arrange for his carrying on the work, and to 
secure good religious literature out of the funds of the Association, 
and let the evangelist act as colporteur and make regular returns to 
the board of sales of books and moneys collected. 

Bro. Meng offered the following as amendatory of the 
above : 

That the pastors of the respective churches be requested to preach 
missionary sermons and take up collections and forward the funds 
thus collected to the board between this time and the first of January 
next, for the purpose of employing a missionary within the bounds 
of our Association, which was adopted. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 145 

Bro. W. Allen then moved that a collection in cash and 
pledges be taken up for associational missions, which was 
done, amounting to $63.20. The Treasury being nearly 
empty, and the board consequently unable to go into any 
extensive operations, we have no grounds of expectation that 
much could be done the present associational year, and there- 
fore will not copy the report of the Executive Board made 
at this session, but defer further notice of their operations 
until the next year. 

The session of this year seems to have been a pleasant 
one, and characterized by efforts on the part of the body to 
forward all the different objects of associationai work. 

Deaths. — The committee on Obituaries report the de- 
mise of Elder A. Padgett, ot Sandy Springs church, who 
departed this life February 2d, 1877. Also the death of our 
venerable brother, Isaac Peeler, of Mount Ararat church, 
who had been a deacon for fifty years, and at the age ot 
near ninety-nine laid off the armor of his warfare, at the 
command of his blessed Master, to go up higher. 

Remarks. — We knew Elder Alanson Padgett, formerly 
of the Green River Association, and esteemed him as a 
worthy minister of the Gospel ot Christ. He was the father 
of Dr. B. H. Padgett, deceased, who served the people ot 
Rutherford county in the General Assembly of the State, 
and had some reputation as a school-teacher and dentist. 

The Circular Letter of this session was prepared by 
Bro. John R. Jefieries, on the nature, design, qualifications and 
duties of the deaconship. 

Bro. Jefieries is a layman, but wields an able pen — gen- 
erally views matters and things from a common-sense stand- 
point — and is never chargeable with heterodoxy or error ot 
any kind. He is the worthy and expert Clerk of the Asso- 
ciation, and generally keeps his records faultless. 

The 78th session was held at Pacolet church, Union 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was preached by 
Elder J. E. Burgess, Matt. xvi. 21. Cowpens church, on 
the Air-Line Railroad, was admitted, — making a union of 
22 churches, and a membership of 2899. 

The body was organized by the election of Elder T. J. 
'19 



]46 BROAD BIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Taylor, Moderator, Bros. John R Jefferies, Clerk, and W. 
L. Goudeloek, Treasurer. 

THE STATE BOARD REPUDIATED. 

The usual routine business was transacted, when the 
following came before the body for consideration : 

Whereas, We feel dissatisfied with the working of the State 
Board. Therefore be it 

Resolved, That we dispense our missionary funds under the au- 
spices of our own Board. 

The following resolution by Bro. J. K. Jefferies was 
adopted : 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to communi- 
cate with the agent of the State Board and set forth our plan for 
collecting and disbursing funds for the said board, and enclose the 
resolution just passed by this body. 

The Executive Board reported as follows : 

The new Executive Board was organized October 29th, 1877, and 
held six meetings during the year. In accordance with the resolu- 
tion passed by your body at its last meeting the Board, after proper 
correspondence with various brethren, employed Bro. J. H. Yarboro 
for one-half of his time as a missionary and colporteur, at a salary of 
three hundred dollars. We have had preaching regularly at Mount 
Tabor since May, and Bro. Yarboro, with the assistance of Bro. W« 
L. Brown, has constituted a church at Hampton City. In addition 
to this work our missionary has visited and preached in nearly all 
the churches within our bounds. We have placed in the hands of 
our colporteur $45.15 worth of books, upon which we will realize 10 
per cent. 

We recommend to your new board the importance of carrying 
out the plans of the present board during the remainder of the year. 

We call the attention of the brethren of the churches who made 
pledges at our last meeting, and urge them to redeem them immedi- 
ately. Your board base their operations on these pledges, and if 
they are not redeemed the finances of the board will be very much 
crippled. If all these pledges are collected, there will still be a defi- 
cit of thirty or forty dollars in carrying out this year's operations. 
We recommend to your body the propriety of placing in the hands 
of your new board funds sufficient to meet this deficiency. 

In view of the fact that your present board has spent all the 
money in their hands, we recommend to the new board the neces- 
sity of concentrating all of their efforts on Mount Tabor and Hamp- 
ton City. We believe that earnest efforts should be made to sustain 
preaching at these two points. 

Brethren, believing that we have done something with your 
means to advance the Master's cause, we hope you will take courage 
and go boldly forward in this great work of supplying the destitute 
places with the Gospel. 

Place good and discreet men on your board : aid them with 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 147 

your prayers and sustain them with your money, that they may 
press forward and build up all the waste places in our bounds. 
Respectfully submitted, J R. Jeffkrijes, Chairman. 

We shall see what we shall see of the operations of an- 
other year. 

Deaths. — The demise of Deacons Absalom Ward, Jef- 
ferson Mabry and A. Aiken, bold soldiers of the cross, are 
noticed in the Minutes of this session. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Bro. Lewis Meng, on the importance of teaching our peculiar 
principles and tenets as Baptists. A brief, but very appropri- 
ate and sensible letter. 

The 79th session was held at State Line church, Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C. The introductory sermon was preach- 
ed by Elder T. J. Taylor, ]N T um. xiii. 3ol 

Grassy Fond Cherokee Creek, and New Pleasant, new 
churches, and Fleasant Grove and Bivingsville, dismissed 
from the Spartanburg Association, were admitted into this 
body as constituent members. The union now consists of 
27 churches, with a membership of 3145. 

The body organized by the election of Elder J. G. Car- 
ter, Moderator, Bros. J. R. Jefreries, Clerk, and W. L. Goud- 
elock, Treasurer. 

The usual routine business was then transacted, when 
Elder A. W. Lamar, Corresponding Secretary of the State 
Board, addressed the Association in behalf of State Missions, 
after which Bro. L. Meng offered the following resolutions : 
1st, Resolved, That we undertake to raise within our bounds, 
during the next associational year, the sum of twenty cents per mem- 
ber, for the objects fostered by this body. 

2d, Resolved, That our Executive Board be instructed to prepare 
and print in the Minutes, a table, showing what amount this will 
take for each church to raise, and that they visit the churches, make 
addresses on the objects of this Association, and aid in raising the 
part of each church. 

3d, Bcsolved, That the objects to which we recommend this 
money to be applied, are Foreign Missions, State Missions, Home 
Missions, and the education of our young ministers; and further, 
that each church shall have the right to say to which of these objects 
her contributions shall be applied. 

4th. Resolved, That all contributions from churches in our 
bounds shall be forwarded through the Executive Board. 

5th, Resolved, In case any work is needed in our bounds, our 
board be instructed 10 advise with the State Board about it. 



148 BROAD RIVE11 BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The foregoing resolutions, after being properly discuss- 
ed, wore adopted, and if their provisions were applied and 
complied with by the several churches in the Association 
would be nearly sufficient to raise a fund of six hundred dol- 
lars, which, ir' expended annually within the bounds of the 
old Broad Rivet Association on the different objects of asso- 
ciational work which she has in charge, Would begin to look 
like business. But will the churches respond to the call ? 
We think it hardly probable, and until we know more about 
it will stand a little in doubt. Let us however be hopeful, 
and go on with our investigation. Let us first see what the 
brethren of the Executive Board have to say in their report: 

The new Executive Board of the Broad River Association was 
organized Hep? ember 9th, 1878, and held six meetings during the 
associational year. Your board has aided Unity church to the 
amount of $1!), has paid Bro. Yarbcro balance on salary of $268.80, 
and has collected and turned over to Bro. Burgess $'35 on pledges 
made at Pacolet last year, and has now on hand $88.77. We feci 
under obligations to aid Cowpens church to the extent of our ability, 
and would recommend to the new board the propriety of aiding it 
to the amount of $25. 

Brethren, we feel that as a board we are doing nothing for the 
promotion of our Father's Kingdom, and would submit to yourwis- 
dom the propriety of changing our plan of action. We think that 
the way could be opened to bring about a reconciliation between this 
body and the State Board, and feel assured that our mite put into 
the general treasury and dispensed under its auspices, would do 
more effectual service. We trust that your action may tend to bring- 
about this desirable end. 

We have a great many pledges in our hands that remain unpaid, 
and we urge the brethren to meet all their pledges immediately, in 
order that our work may not be hindered. 

Respectfully submitted. 
L. Meng. Secretary. J. R. Jefferies, Chairman. 

Deaths. — The demise of Elders J. Lee, Wade Hill, of 
Green River Association, and B.Bonner, of the Spartanburg 
Association, is noticed in the report of the committee on 
Obituaries. (See biographical notices of same in this work.) 
The New Prospect church reports the death of Deacon Wil- 
liams. 

A PLEASANT SESSION. 

The session seems to have been an interesting one, char- 
aeterized by harmony and brotherly love. All the objects of 
associatioual work appear to be represented as usual. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 149 

The 80th session was held at Cedar Springs church*, 
Spartanburg county, S. C, The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder W, II. Strickkhd, Psalms 116, The 
union consists of 28 churches. Membership, 8210. 

Organized by electing Elder T. J. Taylor, Moderator. 
J. R. Jeiieries, Clerk, and W» L. Geudelock, Treasurer. 

Beaver Dam, a new church, was admitted into the union 
at this session. 

A CORDIAL RECEPTION. 

Bro, E. C. Allen offered the following resolution, which. 
was adopted : 

Whereas, We recognize in our midst the face of Elder W. H-. 
■Strickland. Corresponding Secretary of the State Mission Board, 

Resolved, That we -extend to him a hearty welcome, and earn- 
estly endorse and will heartily support the work in which he is 
engaged. 

Bro. Strickland replied, accepting the compliment and 
oitering his assistance. He for fifteen minutes urged the 
claims of the Baptist Courier, and distributed some copies of 
the paper among the brethren. Remarks were made by 
Eiders W. L. Brown and G. S. Anderson, favoring the pat- 
ronage of the Courier by the brethren. 
The Executive Board reported ; 

The new board was organized October 7th, 1870, -and held four 
meetings during the year. 

We have aided Cowpens church to the amount of $25 for build- 
ing purposes. We have turned over to Bro. A. W. Lamar, agent of 
state Board, §125.86, of which amount 1100.86 were paid to Elder M. 
D. Jefr'eries, our Missionary, on his salary. We have paid to Elder 
T. J. Taylor §38,10 for the education of W. T. Tate, a licensed 
preacher. We have paid to Elder J. E. Burgess §6 on former sub- 
scription for education. We have collected from all sources, inclu- 
ding cash on hand at last report, §263.61, and. we have now on hand 
;o3.!5. We are happy to state that the beard is in full sympathy 
with the operations of the State Board. We co-operated with this 
hoard in our missionary work during the past year, and have realized 
great benefit from the union effected between our board and the 
State Beard. Elder M. D. Jefreiics, the missionary provided for us 
by the State Board has, by his earnest labor and godly deportment, 
greatly endeared himself to our people. 

Ave find in the report of our missionary the following 
recommendation : 

Might it not be well to have a missionary in each section of your 
Association ? We submit this recommendation to the favorable' con- 
sideration of your body. 



150 BROAD KIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

We have the pleasure to inform your body that Elder J. L. ■ Vassv 
of the Spartanburg; Association, made voluntary appointments* 
throughout our Association, and aided us greatly in raising funds 
for the State Board, for which services we feel that he is entitled to 
your heart-felt thanks. We are happy to have with us the Corre- 
sponding Secretary and Treasurer of the State Board. We recom- 
mend him and his work to your prayerful consideration. 

We have the pleasing of stating to your body that the plan 
adopted at our last meeting for collecting funds for missions has re- 
sulted in the collection of $189.10. The following named churches r 
El Bethel, Grassy Pond, Pacolet No. 2, Cowpens, and Mount Joy, 
raised their full quota. We recommend that a similar plan be pur- 
sued during the next year, and that a more earnest effort be made to 
raise funds. 

In retiring, your board feel bound to thank God for the work 
accomplished during the past year, and take courage for the future. 
Respectfully submitted. 
Lewis Meng, Secretary. J. R, Jefferies, Chairman. 

Remarks.— -While copying the foregoing report, our 
mind and thoughts were engaged in the discussion of the 
question, "What is the best method or plan to adopt to raise 
the necessary funds to successfully carry on missionary ope- 
rations 1 If the Association or churches in their individual 
capacity attempt to assess any amount, however small, upon 
the membership, there will always be found some, and often- 
times not a few, ready to oppose such action as tyrannical and 
oppressive, and contrary to that boasted freedom and inde- 
pendence generally claimed by Baptists, and savoring too 
much of popish domineering over the rights and privileges 
■of the people. If they contribute anything in the direction 
of Gospel support or of missionary operations it must be of 
their own free will and consent — a free will offering to the 
Lord ; for it is said He loves a cheerful giver, and conse- 
quently what is obtained by coercion or unwillingly extorted, 
is but little less than a sheer abomination in the eye of God, 
and should therefore not be used. Well, this notion being 
greatly mixed with truth, as well as often being prompted 
by a covetous disposition, we ask such if it is not right and 
fully in accord with the teaching of the New Testament, 
that all who have been favored with the glad tidings of the 
Gospel should contribute of their means as God may have 
blest them to spread the Gospel throughout the world, that 
those sitting in darkness should receive the light ? And if 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 151 

so, what plan would they prefer? If they can devise a bet- 
ter system of beneficence than that suggested of giving small 
amounts annually (which they will doubtless fed! it their 
duty often to enlarge) as God may enable them, contributed 
as a whole at the end of the year or in small amounts 
monthly or weekly in the mite boxes or otherwise, then 
they ought to be heard; We felt much gratified at the result 
of the year's operations, and as the same scheme is put on 
foot for another year, we look forward with pleasing antici- 
pations. We were greatly disappointed last year, Hope we 
may not be in the next, 

Deaths. — In the Minutes of this session we find an 
obituary notice of Bro. Woodward Allen, who died April 
3d, 1880, at his residence near Cedar Springs, Spartanburg 
county, S, C, (See biographical notice.) We also find a 
notice of Bro. James K. Finch, who was an accepted Chris- 
tian ; he was a member of Cedar Springs church for 27 
years, he was a deacon for a number of years, and was dili- 
gent in all his Master's work. He was regular in his attend- 
ance, and liberal in the support of the church and Sabbath 
School, In his death the church has lost a worthy member, 
and the community has been deprived of an honest man and 
a noble citizen. 

Bro, Finch lived to the mature age of 77 years, and 
during this long life set many noble examples worthy to be 
copied. 

Bro. Robert White, of the same church, departed this 
life on the 18th of February, 1880. He lived a consistent 
Christian life for sixty-one years. He was everything that 
could be expected of a Christian — steadfast in purpose, strong 
in the faith, and hopeful of his final reward. During his 
long life he continued an active member of the church, and 
took a firm stand hi the Sabbath School cause, and in neither 
was his seat found vacant, unless from providential causes. 
He was a deacon of the Cedar Springs Baptist church for 
fifty-nine years, discharging the duties of his office well. 
Being a man of temperate habits, he lived to the ripe old age 
of 97. The rich fragrance which lingers around a life thus 
spent, will long rise like precious incense to shed its bless* 
ings all around. 



152 HKO AD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

Remarks. — We made the acquaintance of Bro. White' 
in the year 1833, at the session held that year at Long Creek 
church, and have met him. at several sessions of the body 
since that time,, and have enjoyed the hospitalities of his 
home (having stopped with him on one occasion,) and we 
never knew of one who was more a lover of hospitality, a 
lover of all good men — -sober, just,, holy, temperate. 

Knowing Bro. Allen for many years, and having been 
kindly entertained under his hospitable roof, we are able to 
say the same of him. 

The Cedar Springs- brethren were remarkable for their 
intelligence and great moral worth. Deacon J. W. Cooper,, 
the Walkers and Barnets will long, be had in remembrance ;. 
although the most of the "old guard" have long since cross- 
ed over the river, and are now basking under the shade 
of the trees of the paradisiacal world. 

The 8lst session met at Corinth church, Spartanburg, 
county, S. C. The introductory sermon was preached by 
Elder A. McA. Pittman, from Phih iii. 13. 

The body organized by electing Elder W. M. Foster? 
Moderator, Bro. J, R. Jefferies, Clerk, and W. L, Goudeloek 7 
Treasurer. 

Clifton ehnr«h was then admitted into the confederacy 
of churches. Whole number of churches, 29 j. member- 
ship, 3223. 

The body proceeded to appoint committees on the asso- 
ciational business. Quite a number of distinguished minis- 
ters were received from other bodies. Elders W.L.Brown. 
J. L. Vass, Charles Manly, D.D., J. G. Landrum, Prof. J. B. 
Patrick, R. O. Sams, etc. 

COOPER LIMESTONE INSTITUTE. 

Elder J, G.Landrum was requested to address the Asso- 
ciation on the claims of the Cooper Limestone Institute at 
11 J o'clock to-day, which request he complied with. The 
speaker referred feelingly to the life and labors of the late 
Dr. Thomas Curtis, at Limestone Springs and in the Broad 
River Association, giving a short history of the way in which 
the property came into the possession of the Baptists as a 
seat of education, urging the brethren to patronize the In- 
stitute. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 15 J 

The following resolution was offered by Elder T. J. Tay- 
lor, and unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That we rejoice to learn (hat the Cooper Limestone 
Institute, for the education of young ladies, will open at an early 
day, and heartily recommend it to the favorable consideration of 
those who have daughters or wards to educate. 

The Moderator introduced Capt. J. B. Patrick, of the 
Greenville Military Institute, who set forth the plan of his 
school, and gave the reason why the military feature was in- 
corporated into the government of his school. 

Elder Charles Manly, D.D., President of the Furman 
University, was next introduced by the Moderator, who ad- 
dressed the Association in the interest of the University. 
Remarks were made by Elder J. L. Yass and Prof. J. B.Pat- 
rick. A collection was taken by Elder Yass for the use of 
the University amounting to one hundred dollars. 

Prof. R. 0. Sains spoke in behalf of Cooper Limestone 
Institute, and Elder T. J. Taylor advocated the claims of the 
Greenville Eemale College. Elder AY. L. Brown distributed 
some copies of the Baptist Courier, asking for subscriptions 

Remarks were made by Elder J. C. Hudson and Capt. 
J. B. Patrick. 

Remarks. — The reader will see at a glance the different 
objects wanting patronage, and all well calculated to assist 
in rolling on the good work of culture, evangelization and 
progress generally. It is these institutions that tend so 
much to the improvement of the people, and give character 
to the denominations which keep them as a ballxontinually 
in motion. Plow great the contrast will appear in associa- 
tional work, by taking a retrospective view of half a century. 
It may well be said by our Pedo-Baptist friends — there is a 
great future for the Baptists ! 

It was resolved by the body to spend half an hour in 
devotional exercises, and Dr. Manly was requested to address 
the Association on the importance ofpraying for God's bless- 
ings during seasons of drought and despondency such as 
we are now undergoing. 

THE PEOPLE SUFFERING GREATLY FROM DROUGHT. 

Dr. Manly spoke elocpaently, showing that God is in 
every thing, and when His children trust Him and take Him 
in partnership with them, that He will bless them and send 
the early and latter rains to cause the earth to bring forth 
sustenance for them. 
20 



1 -.4 BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT OP THE UNITED STATES. 

On motion of Elder Taylor, Dr. Manly was requested 
to lead the Association in special prayer for the healing of 
our wounded President, which duty was performed with 
deep feeling, making deep and sad impressions on the con- 
gregation. 

STATE MISSIONS. 

The hour having arrived for the discussion of State Mis- 
sions, Dr. Manly appeared for Elder \V. H. Strickland, Cor- 
responding Secretary of the State Mission Board, setting 
forth the necessities of the work of State Missions, and com- 
mended the Association for the liberal contributions made 
to this board during the past year. Remarks were made by 
Capt. J. B. Patrick" T. J.' Taylor, W. M. Foster and W. T, 
Tate. 

The Executive Board then reported : 

Your Board held eight meetings during the y ear, and have re- 
ceived from all sources $233.65 and paid out §224, — for an itemized 
account of which you will see the Treasurer's Report. 

The Board employed Bro. G. W, Manly, a theological student, 
through the State Mission Board; for a statement' of his work we 
refer you to his own report, which is herewith submitted. We can 
not speak too highly of Bro. Manly's work and of his earnest chris- 
tian deportment among us. We commend him as a high-toned 
Christian and faithful laborer in the Master's vineyard. 

We have also employed Bro. W T. Tate to work in the north- 
ern section of our Association. For a statement of his work we 
refer you to his report herewith annexed. As Bro. Manly says, the 
work is too great for any one man. We earnestly recommend that 
each section of the Association employ a missionary in its own 
bounds. The middle section has already notified us of its intention 
to do so. and we feel assured that they will be amply repaid for the 
funds so expended. In retiring, your Board desire to express their 
thanks to those churches that have aided us with their means, and 
beg to remind those that have not done so, that giving to the Lord's 
cause is as much a christian duty as praying or hearing the preached 
Word. 

We sincerely believe that our God will prosper that people most 
who do this duty best, and if we who profess to be God's peculiar 
people refuse the bread of life to those who sit in the regions of dark- 
ness, are we not hiding our light and hoarding our means to our 
own hurt? We pray you, brethren, in God's name arouse from this 
lethargy, from this sleep of death, and do something now for Jesus, 
who hath redeemed you. 

Respectfully submitted. J. R. Jefferies, Chairman. 

Lewis Meng, Secretary. 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 155 

G. W. Manly, missionary, made his report : 

Number of days' labor, 60; number of revivals, 5 ; number of 
Bermons preached, 58 ; number of conversions, 4'J; number of relig- 
ious talks, 44; number of miles traveled, 544. 

In these revivals I was only assisting pastors, and they had other 
helps. I have found the field entirely too large for one man. The. 
idea presented by some members of the Board to have a missionary 
in each section, is a good one. Only by adopting that plan can the 
work be done as it should be. Many neglected neighborhoods, and 
many of the churches even, need missionary work ; the latter need 
it for the reason that they are not in full sympathy with mission 
work in general. G. W. Manly. 

W. T. Tate, missionary ^ made his report, as follows: 

Number of days' labor, 30; number of sermons preached, 32 ; 
number of baptisms, 13 ; number of prayer-meetings, 24 ; number of 
religious visits, 54 ; amount collected, $9.57. 

I rind by traveling through your territory that your bounds are 
too large for one man to do the work, and think it would be a wise 
plan for each section to have its own missionary, and then each 
could have more preaching, and enable the missionary to do his 
work more thoroughly. W. T. Tate. 

THE LAST ADDRESS BY ELDER J. G. LANDRUM, BEEORE BROAD 
RIVER ASSOCIATION. 

Upon the adoption of the foregoing report of the Execu- 
tive Board, Elder J. G. Landrum made some feeling 
remarks, urging the brethren to go before the churches and- 
stir them up to their duty in giving liberally ; alluded feel- 
ingly to his being permitted again to be with us; gave us 
some parting words of encouragement, and begged us to 
train up the children to the duty of giving liberally to the 
cause of Christ. 

By request, Bro. Landrum led the Association in prayer, 
and the body extended to him, Dr. Manly and Prof. Patrick 
the parting hand. On the 19th day of January succeeding 
this pleasant interview with his brethren of the Broad River 
Association, Elder John Gill Landrum was summoned to 
the great association of angels and the spirits of just men 
made perfect in the upper and better world. 

Deaths. — The demise of the following brethren is no- 
ticed in the Minutes of this session, viz : Eli Bryant was bom 
in 1806, and died March 18th, 1881. He joined the Bethesda 
church in 1811, and lived a consistent Christian 39 years. In 
his death the church has lost a bright light. He was much 
loved by the church and all who knew him. At the Master's 



r> > BROAD KIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

call, in the 74th year of his age, he laid down his armor and 
passed over the river, "where the wicked cease from trou- 
bling and the weary are at rest." 

Deacon W. L. Brown was a member of Brown's Chapel 
church, was a deacon two years, was a faithful worker fur 
his Master, and was diligent in every good work ; he was 
regular in his attendance on his church and liberal in its 
support, and zealous in working for the Sabbath School. lie 
departed this life in January, 1881. 

John P. Clary was a member of Providence church 
e'ght years. He was an acceptable Christian, and was ever 
ready to contribute to. the support of his church and Sunday 
School ; his heart and purse was ever open to aid in any 
christian work. We feel that his place wilt be hard to fill. 
He was kind and obliging as a neighbor, as a husband and 
lather he was affectionate and tender. He died July 17th, 
1881. 

Reflections. — When our friends die, we only speak of 
their virtues and good traits of character manifested in their 
lives, for the good of others yet on the stage of action, to be 
emulated and copied for their benefit. The Apostle Paul 
said, "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die ; yet 
peradventure for a good man some one would even dare to 
die." This, he said, to illustrate the great condescension 
and kindness of Christ in suffering on the cross to make 
atonement for His people. That if "a righteous man" — one 
of strict integrity, who had committed no crime against the 
welfare of the community, were about to be put to death 
through the iniquity and oppression of unjust judges, or in 
any other way were in danger of losing his life — there would 
scarcely be found a person who would consent to die in his 
stead; though perriaps for "a good man," oue of extensive 
philanthropy, whose life had been and was likel} 7 to be a 
public blessing, some one might even venture to lay down 
his life. Yet this most rare instance, the very summit of 
human affection, falls immensely beneath the love of God to 
us. It is sufficient for us, when our friends are taken from 
us by the ruthless hand of death, . 

"To be to their errors a little blind, 
And to their virtues ever Kind." 

We are all frail mortals, and must soon leave the walks 



BROAD RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 157 

of the living. How proper and fitting, therefore, that every 
riling savoring of envy or malice should be buried from our 
sight or even recollection in the deepest grave of oblivion. 
If we can say but little that is good, let us refrain from say- 
ing anything evil : for every one to his own Master standeth 
or falleth. May God, our Maker and Benefactor, save us 
from the great sin ot selfishness! 

The 82d session of the Broad River Association met at 
Grassy Pond church, Spartanburg county, S. C. The intro- 
ductory sermon was preached by Elder T. J. Taylor, from 
James ii. 20. Theme — Faith. 

Elder T. J. Taylor was elected Moderator, and Bro. J. 
R. Jefferies, Clerk. 

Xazareth, a new church, was admitted. Number of 
churches in union, 30. Number of members, 3524. 

Remarks. — Several messengers from corresponding 
bodies were on hand attending to their mission work, and 
eveiwthing appeared to be moving along harmoniously, con- 
sidering the stringency of the times in regard to monetary 
matters. We believe the amounts desired for the different 
objects were raised and handed in to the treasury. 

Remarks were made very pertinently by Elders Griffith, 
Pitman, Foster and others, to stir up the pure minds of the 
brethren, by putting them in rememberance of their relig- 
ious duties with apparent good effect. 

We attended the session for the purpose of meeting old 
brethren whom we have not seen in many years; but ah ! 
the places that once knew them will know many of them no 
more forever ! They have crossed over the river of death 
and entered the great association above. Their places are 
now filled by their youthful descendants, very few of whom 
we were able to recognize. We felt sad and somewhat as 
though out of place ; still we thank God that He is pushing 
forward His great work of evangelizing the world through 
other agencies. As the old and superannuated go to. their re- 
wards, others probably much better endowed, mentally and 
physically, are ready to take their places, and still the work 
goes oh. 

We here close our labors as to the journalistic part of 
our undertaking. 



US KI .Xti'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 



CHAPTER IV. 

OEGANIZATION 

OF THE 

KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Believing the formation of a new Association would 
prove conducive to the religious interests of many of the 
Baptist brotherhood, and the improvement of the many young 
ministers included within the limits of the several churches 
recently dismissed from the Broad River body for this object 
—by placing them at the helm of associational business, — 
and believing, too, that it will prove a god-send to the old 
and infirm brethren who yet desire to be present at the an- 
nual meetings of the Association, but by reason of age and 
of the extensive boundary of the Broad River body they are 
precluded from doing so; and inasmuch as the contemplated 
division of the old body leaves ample scope for all who wish 
to work in the Lord's vineyard — whether in the old or in the 
new body — the following churches, by their delegates, did 
therefore on the 7th day of November, 1851, meet together 
in convention, at Double Springs church, in Cleveland 
county, N. C, for the purpose of organizing a new Associa- 
tion, to-wit : 

1. Buffalo— B. E. Rollins, Elijah Turner, Wm, Hamrick, John 
Turner. 

2. Sanely Run—Edmund Jones, Robert MeBrayer, Edward P. 
Jones, Caleb Bridges. 

3. Zion — Thomas Dixon, John Bailey, William Covington. 

4. Zoar— William H. Green, John R. Logan, Barnett Putnam, 
Wm. H. Cabaniss. 

5. Double Springs— Joseph Suttle, Milton Gold, Dan'l P. Gold. 

6. Bethel — Dove Pannell, George Hamrick. Wm. H. Hardin. 

7. Boiling Springs— David Hamrick, David D. Durham, Asa 
Hamrick, 

8. Mount Sinai— John Webber. 

9. New Bethel— Richard T. Hord, Anderson S. Elam. 

10. Mount Pleasant— George W. Rollins, Merida Jolly, Wm. B. 
Hanies. 



KIN'crs MOTTNTAIE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 159 

11. Broad River— Not represented. 

12. Beaver Dam— William MeSwaia, Elijah Eskridge. 

13. Pleasant Hill— Moore Martin, Marcus L. Ross, 

The convention sermon was preached by Elder Dove 
Panaei, of Bethel church. Text : John xvii. chap, and part 
»f 1st verse: "The hour is come." 

The body was called to order by Elder Joseph Suttle, 
nid on his motion Elder Thomas Dixon was appointed Mod- 
erator, and Bro. J. R. Logan, Clerk. 

The letter of dismission from the Broad River body was 
then read and the name's of churches and delegates enrolled 
is above set forth. 

Bro. J. R. Logan read before the body a paper intended 
as a Constitution, prepared by him for tile Association, which 
was adopted, and which reads as follows : 

CONSTITUTION OF THE KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

We, the united Baptist churches of Jesus Christ, located 
in North and South Carolina, having obtained letters of dis- 
mission from the Broad River Baptist Association, and hav- 
ing all been baptized upon a profession of faith in Christ, 
are desirous of reciprocal union. We therefore propose to 
maintain the Order and Rules of an Association according 
to the following system : 

1. The Association shall be formed of members elected by the 
different churches in our union, who, on producing certificates from 
their respective churches, in support of their election, shall be enti- 
tled to a seat. 

2. The members thus chosen and convened, shall be known by 
the name of the King's Mountain Association. 

3. The Association thus organized shall elect by ballot a Mode- 
rator and Clerk, both of whom shall be representatives of some one 
of the churches in union, and when so elected shall hold their offices 
for one year. 

4. This body shall have no coercive power to "lord it over God's 
heritage," or to infringe on any of the internal rights of the churches 
in union (while they remain orderly,) but shall only act as an Advi- 
sory Council in matters respecting- their internal concerns. Never- 
theless, it becomes necessary to establish some uniform rules of pro- 
ceeding, in order to foster and maintain union and Christian fellow- 
ship. 

5. When offences committed by one church against another 
shall occur, it shall be the duty of the offended church to labor with 

'the offender for satisfaction ; and in case of failure to obtain redress, 
then call in the aid of one or two other churches in union to assist 



160 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

in the labor of reconciliation, and if satisfaction (in the opinion of 
the helps thus called in J cannot be obtained, then the aggrieved 
church may bring the case before the Association, which is bound 
to act on it. 

6. Also, when a serious difference arises in an individual church 
which the members thereof cannot reconcile, they shall call in the 
assistance of one or two more churches in union to assist in the work, 
and if satisfaction (in the opinion of the helps) is not obtained, the 
case may be brought before the Association, which body shall take it 
up and act upon it. 

7. And should an individual member or members be excluded 
from any church in our union, if he, she or they, after maturely con- 
sidering their own conduct and the act of the church, shall feel 
themselves aggrieved, they may appeal to the church for a new hear- 
ing, and if there cannot be a reconciliation obtained, the church may 
call in the aid of one or two sister churches; and if, in the opinion 
of the helps thus called in, the member or members have been un- 
justly excluded, the case may come before the Association to be 
acted on ; Provided always, in all cases of grievances, reference has 
been had to the 18th chap, of the Gospel by St. Matthew and other 
Scriptures which respects discipline, tor the bringing to trial and 
determining on all cases of grievances ; and the Association will not 
take up any case of the above kind unless the above proceedings 
have been previously had thereon. 

8. Every church in the union having a membership not exceed- 
ing fiity in number, shall be entitled to a representation of two del- 
egates in the Association ; and the number exceeding one hundred 
members and does not exceed one hundred and fifty, they shall be 
entitled to three delegates ; when over one hundred and fifty and 
not exceeding two hundred members, four delegates are to be allowed. 

9. The delegates thus chosen and sent, are to be recommended 
to the Association by letter from the churches by whom they are 
sent, which shall be expressive of their fellowship ; also the number 
of those baptized, received by letter, dismissed, excommunicated, 
and the number deceased since the last Association, and the total 
number in fellowship. 

10. Churches producing letters of dismission from other Associ- 
ations, and by petitioning, and also newly constituted churches who 
shall, upon examination, be found orthodox and orderly, by petition- 
ing by letter and delegation, may be received into this union, and 
the same shall be manifested by the Moderator of the body giving 
them the right hand in token of fellowship. 

11. The Association shall have power to exclude any church 
from this union 'who shall depart from the orthodox principles of 
the Gospel. 

12. The Association shall endeavor to furnish the churches with 
the Minutes of their proceedings, and to enable it to do so, each 
church shall be required to contribute such sums as to may be proper 
and necessary. 

13. Every query serrt by a church who has labored on it and 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 161 

fails within herself in getting a satisfactory decision en it, shall be 
taken up by the Association, and not otherwise. 

14. Any church in our union having a member possessed with 
preaching talents, who is a candidate for the ministry, may invite 
brethren from one, two, or more sister churches, the aid of their 
minister and other members who, in conjunction with the church, 
shall examine the candidate, and, if deemed qualified, may license 
him to preach the Gospel among the churches at discretion, which 
shall be reported to the Association and entered on the Minutes. 

15. Any church having a licensed preacher whom they deem 
worthy of credentials, shall call a presbytery of ministers of our 
union to officiate; and a presbytery thus called shall, in all cases of 
ordinations, both of ministers and deacons and the constitution of 
churches, be regulated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

16. The Association shall not adjourn until they have gone 
through the business regularly brought before them, except in extra- 
ordinary cases ; but no act of the body shall go into operation until 
the close of the session, but may be reconsidered or changed. 

17. The Minutes of the Association shall be read and corrected 
(if need be.) and signed by the Moderator and attested by the Clerk 
before the Association rises. 

18. The Association shall, in all cases, be governed by a majority 
of the members present. 

19. Voting shall be confined exclusively to the body in all acts 
respecting their internal concerns ; but the Association may admit 
any of the distant brethren in the ministry as assistants who may 
be present at the time of their sitting. 

20. The Association, when convened, shall be governed by a 
regular and proper decorum, which they are authorized to form for 
themselves. 

21. No alteration or amendment shall be made to this Constitu- 
tion, unless the same be concurred in by a majority of the members 
present in two successive sessions of the Association. 

RULES OF OKDER. 

1. The Association shall be opened and closed by prayer. 

2. The Moderator shall be deemed a judge of order, and shall 
have a right to call to order at any time ; also it shall be his duty to 
see that the Rules of Order are attended to ; to take the opinion of 
the Association on all questions properly brought before the body. 

3. Any member not bung satisfied with his decision on *my 
point of order, may appeal to the Association on the same day the 
decision is made, but at no other time. 

4. it shall be the duty of the Clerk to keep a regular record ot 
the transactions of the Association. 

5. But one person shall speak at a time, and he shall rise to his 
feet and obtain leave of the Moderator : and when he has done-speak- 
ing he shall sit down, and shall not speak more than twice on the 
same question, nor more than twenty minutes at one time, unless 
he obtain permission of the Association. 

6. The Moderator, when addressed for leave of speech, shall sig- 
nify the same bv naming of them, or otherwise. 

21 



162 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

7. No member shall be interrupted while speaking, unless he 
depart from the subject on hand, or use words of personal reflection, 
or with a view of calling; to order for some particular purpose. Any 
motion made and seconded, shall come under the consideration of 
the Association, except withdrawn by him who made it. 

8. Every case taken up by the Association shall be decided first, 
before another is offered. 

9. When anything is taken up by the Association, after allowing 
time for the debate, the Moderator shall put the question ; and those 
in favor of the thing proposed shall rise to their feet, and those op- 
posed to it, keep their seats : the Moderator shall procure the decis- 
ion before those standing take their seats. 

10. No person being a member shall depart the service of the 
Association without leave. 

11. The appellation of ''Brother" shall be used in our address to 
each other. 

12. The names of the members shall be called as often as neces- 
sary. 

13. No member shall be indulged in any practice that has a tend- 
ency to interrupt in the time of a public speech, or any other practice 
that would dishonor the Association. 

14. The Moderator shall be entitled to the same privilege of 
speech as any other member, provided he appoints some other mem- 
ber to his seat while he is speaking, but shall not vote unless the 
Association be "equally divided : then he shall give the casting vote. 

15. Any person breaking these rules of order shall be reproved 
at the discretion of the Association, but only on the day the breach 
was made. 

ABSTRACT OF PRINCIPLES. 

1. We believe in one only true and living God — the Father, Son 
and Holy Ghost— three in one. 

2. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa- 
ments are the Word of God, and the only true rule of faith and prac- 
tice. 

3. We believe in the doctrine of original sin. 

4. We believe in man's impotency to recover himself from the 
fallen state he is in by nature, by his own free will and holiness. 

5. We believe in the doctrine of Election, through sanetifi cation 
of the Spirit and belief of the Truth. 

6. We believe that sinners are jusiified in the sight of God, only 
by the merits of Jesus Christ. 

7. We believe the saints shall persevere in grace, and not finally 
fall away. 

8. We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordi- 
nances of Jesus Christ, and that true believers are the only proper 

* Notf.— At the session of 1871, held with Bethel church, the 8th 
article of the foregoing Rules of Order was changed, so as to read : 
We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of 



KIX( I'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 163 

subjects; and conscientiously do believe the true mode is *imraer- 
sion. 

9. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and general judg- 
ment. 

10. We believe that the joys of the righteous and the punishment 
of the wicked will be eternal. 

11. We believe that no minister has a fight to the administrate n 

of the ordinances, only such as has been called of God, as was Aaron, 
and regularly baptized and approved of by the church, and come 
under the imposition of hands by the Presbytery. 

12 * We believe that none but believers have a right to the ordi- 
nances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. 

Bro. J. R. Logan moved that the name of the Associa- 
tion be ''King's Mountain," which was agreed to, and the 
blank in the Constitution just adopted was tilled by inserting 
that name. 

Rules of Order and on Abstract of Principles were also 
presented and adopted which accompanies the Constitution. 

The acting Moderator then announced the Association 
as being duly formed, when, on motion of Bro. Elijah Tur- 
ner, the body proceeded to ballot for officers, which resulted 
in the choice ot Elder Thomas Dixon for Moderator, and 
Bro. John R. Logan for Clerk. 

BOUNDARY OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

Before giving the boundary lines, it may not be im- 
proper to state that this Association includes the historic 
mountain peak where Col. Patrick Ferguson, belonging to 
His Britanic Majesty was, on the 7th of October, 1780, en- 
camped en route for Charlotte, 1Y. C, to put himself under 
the more safe protection of Lord Cornwallis, who was aware 
from the time he evacuated Gilberttown, near the present 
town of Rutherfordton, that he was being pursued by the 
brave Campbell — Shelby, Sevier, Cleveland, McDowell, etc., 
from the Xolachucky country; and not knowing whether he 
would be able to make the trip or not, before being attacked, 
he acted upon the old but sound maxim that "discretion is 
the better part of valor," and having great confidence in him- 
self as a strategist, and believing that he had found a point 
on his march of such a defensive character that no foe could 

J^sas Christ, and that true believers who have been immersed upon 
a profession of faith are the only proper subjects for the Lord's table. 
* Article 12 was at the same time stricken out. 



164 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

successfully assail him, he thought it most advisable to turn 
aside and remain there until he could communicate with his 
superior chiet and obtain a force sufficient for the emergen- 
cy. He took possession of the little hill in the name of his 
sovereign, and called it King's Mountain, and said "he was 
the King, and that all the devils out of h — 1 could not dis- 
lodge him from a fortress so impregnable." He probably 
never once thought of being surrounded and pelted in front 
and rear, and indeed on every side as he certainl}- was, while 
the hill completely protected his assailants from the danger 
of their own bullets as they advanced upon him frdm the 
different sides of the mountain, firing as they ascended. But 
so it was : in a little over an hour's hot work the British 
officer atoned for his folly by the loss of his life and the de- 
struction and capture of his entire army and military stores, 
and the result certainly contributed largely to the cause of 
American independence. 

We think the Association acted wisely in the choice of 
a name. 'King's Mountain will long be had in remembrance 
by every patriot and lover of religious liberty ; and as the 
Baptists were the first to advocate religious liberty and op- 
pose the union of church and state, the selection was proper. 
When the King's Mountain Association was formed its 
boundary extended easterly to the Catawba valley, but since 
the formation of the South Yadkin body, some of the 
churches have joined it ; and some the Catawba River Asso- 
ciation, leaving the South Fork of the Catawba River as the 
King's Mountain associational line. That line includes the 
church in the town of Dallas, in Gaston county, and also the 
Long Creek church, extending southerly to the line of the 
York Association. Thence along the line of said association, 
the same being the Crowders atid King's Mountain range, 
including the Kind's Mountain battle-ground, and Antioch 
Church, on King's Creek. Thence to the mouth of Buffalo 
Creek. Thence up main Broad River, passing Ellis' and 
Champion's ferries to the mouth of 2d Broad River. Thence 
along the said river and with the line ot the Green River 
Association to its connection with the Catawba River line, 
and thence along the line of that Association to its begin- 



KING^S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 165 

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS. 

Bro. John R. Logan was appointed to prepare a Circu- 
lar Letter to be addressed to the chu relies in union., on the 
duties of church members towards each other. 

The committee on Correspondence reported that they 
have had the matter under consideration, and being fully 
aware of the benefits arising from a friendly correspondence 
with sister associations, do therefore recommend that a 
friendly correspondence be solicited with the several associ- 
ations following : The Broad River, the Green River, the 
Bethel, and the Catawba River ; and that messengers be 
appointed by this body to attend each of the foregoing asso- 
ciations, with requests that they reciprocate this proffered 
interchange of courtesy. 

CORRESPONDING LETTER. 

The King's Mountain Baptist Association — To her sisters, the 
Broad River, the Green Ulcer, the Bethel, and the Catawba 
Riven Associations — Greeting : 

Dearly Beloved Brethren :— Through a kind turn of the 
Providence of God, our Heavenly Father, we have been permitted 
to meet together in an associate capacity, and have enjoyed a pleas- 
ant interview. This being the first session of our body since its or- 
ganization, it will therefore be proper to inform those with whom 
we solicit a correspondence, that we have been detached from the 
Broad River Association and erected into a new and distinct body, 
various reasons impelling us thereto, a few of which it may not be 
considered amiss to communicate in this letter. The Broad River 
Association, previous to its division, was ar large body, extending 
over a considerable area of territory, interspersed with several large 
streams that not unfrequently, in time of high waters, intercepted 
the delegates from churches in their attempts at going to and from 
the annual sessions. Moreover, the churches numbering upwards 
of forty, rendered the business of the sessions arduous and often 
complicated, white the delegations being consequently numerous, 
were therefore more burthensome to the citizens and brethren who 
usually support such bodies. 

The foregoing reasons, coupled with a desire to be more conve- 
niently situated, and with a belief that greater zeal and energy, with 
a corresponding religious effort, will aceompaii3 T the separation, have 
induced us to make the experiment; and we are not without hope 
that all the advantages and desirable results so 'fondly anticipated 
will be more than realized ; that our churches will feel greater re- 
sponsibility and do more to spread the Gospel of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, that His disciples may be greatly increased ; that the churches 



K.i KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

i 

may be filled with devoted converts; that the kingdom of our Lor# 
may come with great power and glory until all kindred and people 
shall become the willing servants of our Lord. 

The information communicated in the letters from our churches 
in union go to show that several of them, during a short space of 
time back, have enjoyed gracious revivals of religion, and are made 
to exclaim : "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we 
are glad." During the present session our business has been trans- 
acted in harmony and brotherly love. 

Our next Association will convene with the New Bethel church 
on Friday before the 4th Lord's day in October next (1852,) - * * * 
at which time and place we shall hope to receive your correspondence. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

Thomas Dixon, Moderator. 
J. R. Logan, Clerk. 

The Broad River .church was dismissed from the Broad 
River Association to aid in the formation of the new body, 
but failed in being represented. The total membership rep- 
resented in the. constitution was 1-325. 

The second animal meeting in 1852 was held at New 
Bethel church, Cleveland county, X. C. The introductory 
sermon was delivered by Elder Joseph Suttie, of Double 
Springs. High Shoals and Mount Vernon churches were 
admitted into the body, making 15 in all, with a member- 
ship of 1496. 

The body organized by re-electing Elder Thos. Dixon, 
Moderator, and Bro. John R. Logan, Clerk. 

^CORRESPONDING BODIES. 

The Broad River, Green River, and Catawba River bod- 
ies were represented by letter and messengers, making glad 
the hearts of the King's Mountain brethren. 

Fast Day. — The following was adopted : 

Resolved, That the first day of January next be set apart as a 
day of fasting, humiliation and prayer for the spread of the Gospel, 
t ltrblesbin^s of peace and unrivaled piety, and the several churches 
in union are requested to meet at their respective meeting-houses on 
that day to engage in religious worship. 

The Circular Letter to the churches, prepared by Bro. 
John R. Logan, was read and adopted. 

The third annual session in 1853 met at Boiling Springs 
church, Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was [(reached by Elder Ceo. W. Rollins, of High Shoals. 

Mount Earan and Corinth (new churches,) and Big 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 167 

Spring, from the Green River Association, were admitted 
into the union, making 18 in all. Baptized since last session, 
132. Aggregate membershhip, 1660. 

The body organized by the election of Elder Dove Pan- 
nell, Moderator, and Bro. John E. Logan, Clerk. 

TEMPERANCE RESOLUTION. 

The following resolution was introduced and referred 
to the committee on Petitions and Queries : 

That this Association, assuming to be nothing above an advisory 
council, with a view to the advancement of good order and religion, 
earnestly recommend to the churches composing the same by all 
prudent means to dissuade the members of our denomination from 
the promiscuous making and vending of spirituous liquors. 
The committee reported, 

That under existing circumstances they deem it inexpedient to 
adopt the same, and recommend its rejection: They, however, are 
fully aware that grreat and lamentable evils are the continual results 
of intemperance, both in Church and State, and therefore earnestly 
recommend that the members of all our churches pursue a course 
strictly in conformity with the Word of God, as revealed in the 
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, which teaches men to 
live soberly, righteously and godly in this present evil world. 

On motion, the foregoing report was adopted by the 
body. 

CHANGE OF CONSTITUTION. 

The same committee to whom was referred the petition 
from Buffalo church, praying the alteration of the 8th Arti- 
cle of the Constitution "so as to make all ordained ministers 
a standing delegation," recommended that the same be not- 
granted, which was sustained by the body. 

The following resolution was then adopted : 
That in lieu of any alteration of our system, it is recommended 
to the several churches composing this body, and they are hereby 
advised, to select as their annual representatives their most pious and 
intelligent members, and especially their ministers, to represent 
them in council. 

Missionaries. — The following resolution was introduced 
by Bro. Robert Price: 

Resolved, That this Association appoint two ministers to labor, 
each one month or more, in the destitute section of country north- 
east of this Association extending as far as the Catawba River, and 
that they be paid the sum of tw T enty dollars per month by the Asso- 
ciation, which was adopted. 

Whereupon the Association appointed Elders Dove Pan- 
nell and Joseph Suttle its missionaries under said resolution. 



168 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Elder Thos. Dixon then moved the appointment of a 
Treasurer, and the sum of thirty dollars was raised by the 
delegates for this object. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Dove Pannell on the subject of election. (See biograph- 
ical notice of Elder Pannell.) 

The fourth annual session of 1854 met at Mount Sinai 
church, Cleveland county, N". C. The introductory sermon 
was preached by Elder Dove Pannell, of Bethel. 

Sandy Plains and New Prospect (new churches) and 
Bethlehem and Long Creek, from the Broad River, were 
admitted — making a union of 22 churches and a membership 
of 2096. Baptized since last session' 277 members. The 
following churches, viz : Zion, Bethlehem, Long Creek, New 
Bethel, Mount Paran, Big Spring, Mount Vernon, Double 
Springs and Pleasant Hill received the greatest accessions as 
the proceeds of the revival of this year. 

The body organized by electing Elder Dove Pannell, 
Moderator, and Bro. John R. Logan, Clerk. 

Bogus Delegates. — Application was made by pretend- 
ed representatives of Ebenezer church, within the bounds of 
the Green River Association, to join this body which, after 
some discussion, was referred to a select committee, and af- 
terwards rejected. 

Queries. — Took up the following queries : 

1. 'Ts it in accordance with Gospel order and the usage of Bap- 
tists for the eldership of Baptist churches to meet and form presby- 
teries and constitute new churches, including in them persons who 
stand as excluded members of other Baptist churches?' 7 

Answer. '"We advise our churches not to constitute any mem- 
ber or members into a church, unless such member or members 
shall have been regularly dismissed from the church or churches to 
which they may have belonged." 

2. "What course shall be taken by a church of the Baptist faith 
and order in reference to a person who. makes application for baptism 
and membership, who has previously been baptized and joined to a 
Baptist church without the bounds of this Association, which appli- 
cant alleges he was deceived, not having at that time experienced a 
genuine conversion, which he now professes to enjoy?" 

Answer. ''We advise our churches not to rebaptize any one who 
has been baptized by a lawful administrator of the ordinance, upon 
a profession of faith." 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 1(> , .> 

EBENEZER CHURCH. 

On motion, the Association rescinded all action in regard 
to Ebenezer church, and ordered that no record of the same 
be entered on our Minutes, whereupon the following pre- 
amble and resolution were introduced, and, after some dis- 
cussion, adopted by the body : 

Whereas, With deep regret information has been received by 
this bod\- that the course of action pursued by the churches at Big- 
Spring, Sandy Bun and Bethel— members of this Association— in 
reference to the reconstruction of Ebenezer church, is offensive to 
the Green River Association, to which said church properly belongs 
until regularly dismissed therefrom. Therefore 

Besolved, That this Association, as a body, greatly deplores the 
action taken by said churches, and hereby admonishes them, as well 
as all others belonging to our body, together with any and all our 
ministers, to refrain from any interference in the matter until the 
case be satisfactorily adjusted by the Green River Association. 

Remarks. — A split had taken place in Ebenezer church 
on the subject of Missions and Temperance, and, the mis- 
sionary and temperance party claiming to be the church, 
proposed to join the King's Mountain Association while the 
difficulty existed, and while the church was an undismissed 
member of the Green Eiver Association. The anti-mission 
or primitive party being a majority held the meeting-house, 
and the others joined other churches. 

Report. — Elder Dove Pannell, missionary to Catawba 
Valley, reported: 

Have traveled 112 miles, preached 37 sermons, delivered two lec- 
tures on Baptism, labored 26 days, baptized two converts. Received 
from Pisgah church $2, from Mount Gilead $1. 

Elder Joseph Suttle reported as follows : 
Have labored 9 days, preached 18 sermons, and baptized 11 con- 
verts, whereupon the Treasurer was ordered to audit their respective 
claims. 

The mission was continued for the next associational 
year, and the same brethren engaged in the missionary work. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Thos. Dixon, on the nature, design, and application of the 
atonement of Jesus Christ. 

The fifth annual session of 1855 met at Zion church, 

Cleveland county, N". C. The introductory sermon was 

preached by Elder Geo. W. Rollins, of High Shoals. Olivet 

and St. John's, from the Catawba River Association, and 

22 



1 70 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Lebanon (a new constitution) were admitted into the union 
of churches — making 26 in all, with a membership of 2268. 

The body organized by the re-election of the same offi- 
cers as last year. 

Missionary Board. — At this session a missionary board, 
consisting of J. R. Logan, F. S. Ramsour and W. H. Green 
was appointed by the body, which employed Elder Ransom 
P. Logan to labor by the month in the same field occupied 
by Bros. Pannell and Suttle the two past years. 

Free-will Offerings. — The following resolution was 
passed : 

That the several churches be requested to send up their free-will 
offerings to the next annual session, to defray the expense of the 
mission to the Catawba valley. 

Committee of Inquiry. — A committee of brethren, to- 
wit : Elder Thomas Dixon, J. R. Logan, William Hamrick, 
F. S. Ramsour and Francis Lattimore were appointed by 
the body to visit the High Shoal church and inquire respect- 
ing certain offensive expressions contained in her letter to 
the Association, and labor for reconciliation, with instruc- 
tions to report at the next session. 

SABBATH SCHOOLS. 

A good report on Sabbath Schools was made by Elder 
Ransom P. Logan, the Chairman of the committee, as follows: 

It has truly been said that upon the rising generation depends 
the future prosperity of the church of Christ. How important and 
necessary then the proper cultivation and improvement of the 
youthful mind, in a religious point of view ! 

As a means for the furtherance and consummation of an object 
so desirable, your committee know of no scheme better adapted to 
the wants of our churches and people than Sabbath Schools, prop- 
erly organized in each one of the churches throughout the bounds 
of our Association. By organization we mean that the schools be 
superintended by a judicious and pious individual, chosen b}' the 
churches themselves, whose duty it will be to attend each meeting 
of , the schools and observe a strict watch over the moral deportment 
of the scholars in attendance, and preside over and keep proper 
order and decorum in the schools, and co-operate with those who 
may be selected by the churches as teachers, in the choice of such 
books as may be best calculated to educate and lead the minds of the 
pupils into the true principles of the Gospel of Christ. And your 
committee recommend as text-books for the use of said schools as of 
first and paramount importance— the Bible, the holy book of God — 
and next to it such other works compiled by our own denomination 
as are or may be published for this specific object. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 171 

Believing, clear Brethren, that such a course of religious train, 
ing would meet the approbation of Him that has required us to train 
up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and in 
the way they should go while young, so that when they become old 
they will not depart from it, and that each one of you, without the 
wasre of time on the part of your committee in bringing to your no- 
tice the many incalculable benefits and religious advantages that 
must inevitably result from a course of religious instruction and 
reading, will be fully impressed with the importance of at once or- 
ganizing schools in each and every one of the churches within our 
as.sociational limits. We need therefore add nothing more than the 
true observation, "A hint to the wise is sufficent." 

Respectfully, &c. R. P. Logax, Chairman. 

The Circular Letter on the subject of Missions was pre- 
pared by Elder J. Suttle, which was adopted. 

The sixth anuual session of 1856 met at New Prospect 
church, Cleveland county, X. C. The introductory sermon 
was preached by Elder Thos. Dixon. Shelby church, dis- 
missed from the Broad Eiver Association, Concord from the 
Green River, and Thessalonica from the Catawba River, 
were admitted into this bodv — making 29 churches in union, 
and a membership of 2596. Baptisms during the past year, 
223. . 

Elder Thos. Dixon was elected Moderator, and Bro. J. 
R. Logan, Clerk. 

Elder R. P. Logan, Missionary to the Catawba Valley, 
made his report, as follows : 

Have spent sixty-one days in the service of the Association, 
preached sixty sermons, traveled 763 miles, baptized 14 converts, and 
received in contributions from the people on the field of my mission- 
ary operations the sum of 822.95. 

On motion, the report was received as satisfactory, and 
the Treasurer of the Board directed to audit his claim for 
services, which was done. 

A resolution similar to that of last session, calling on 
the churches for missionary contributions to sustain the mis- 
sionary operations of the board, w r as adopted, and D. Setzer, 
J. J. Flicks and Wm. Roberts were appointed to employ,, a 
missionary, who again engaged Elder R, P. Logan another 
year. And the body appointed Wm. Roberts, J. R. Logan 
and F. S. Ramsour a missionary board to direct the mis- 
sionary operations during the next associational year. 

Remarks. — Many persons thought the animus or at least 



172 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

ostensible design of this mission was a sort of crusade against 
Lutheranism, which was the prevailing religion of that sec- 
tion of country — which religion was considered by Baptists 
a perversion of the true faith as once delivered to the saints. 
And while there were numbers of well meaning Christian 
people among those who wore the name of Luther, yet there 
were many more who had greatly degenerated from the orig- 
inal faith of their great Founder, and became heterodox and 
corrupt as Lutherans, so called, giving aid and comfort to 
many of the evil and licentious practices that always prove 
baneful to true religion, or even well regulated society. 
Their lax church systems gave too much tolerance to licen- 
tiousness. Drunkenness and frivolities of various kinds 
were too much indulged in and suffered, while conversion or 
revealed religion was ignored and hooted at as a mere chim- 
era of the brain, and only insisted on by weak and deluded 
fanatics. These misguided people (mostly of German an- 
cestry) were greatly prejudiced against those who were sent 
among them as missionaries, whom they generally derided 
as '-ignorant Baptist dippers." And it was often found im- 
practicable on the part of such missionaries to get a respect- 
ful hearing from them, especially on points of difference 
they would be glad to discuss. Bigotry, the mother of per- 
secution, having blinded their eyes so completely they could 
not be reached, it would seem, unless by a miraculous inter- 
position. 

As these people manifest great fondness for things pe- 
culiar to their own nationality, we think the better way 
would be to send among them a missionary that would grat- 
ify them in that respect, — one that could address them in 
their own language if need be — and in all things convince 
them that he "is a man and a brother," and, as such, is will- 
ing to spend and be spent in their behalf. Such might be 
able, through God's grace, to make an impression more favor- 
ably; but to send weak, uneducated men to labor among 
such a people is time lost, and means wasted for the accom- 
plishment of very little indeed. , 

TEMPERANCE, GAMING AND DANCING. 

The following' resolutions were adopted : 
That we, as a denomination, believe that the church is composed 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 173 

of spiritual believers; therefore we look upon the practice of making, 
buying and selling, or using spirituous liquors as a beverage, a very 
great evil. Therefore we recommend our churches to use all lauda- 
ble means to suppress the same. 

In connection with the foregoing it was further 
Resolved, That this Association, acting as an Advisory Council 
in matters pertaining to the best interests of the churches in a relig- 
ious point of view, will therefore repudiate and at all times discour- 
age practices of frivolity, or, in other words, civil mirth, falsely so 
called, whether in the form of gaming, dancing, or playing at par- 
ties, and hereby caution our churches to beware of practices so well 
calculated to amalgamate the churches with the world." 

The Circular Letter to the churches was prepared by 
Elder Geo. W. Rollins on the subject of Repentance. 

As a chronicler of the acts of the Association, we feel 
it our duty to notice the report of this session on the subject 
of Sabbath Schools. The body was doing its best to inaug- 
urate schools in all the churches, and to show this we will 
give the report in full as we did in the proceedings of last 
year. 

SABBATH SCHOOL REPORT. 

"While many laudable and praiseworthy efforts are being made 
by the various denominations of Christians to propagate the Gospel 
of Christ; we recognize with heart felt pleasure the springing up of 
a judicious system of Sabbath Schools, under the fostering care of 
our churches, as a measure of paramount importance to the cause of 
religion and sound morality; a measure not only destined to dif- 
fuse blessings amongst the churches, but also calculated to improve 
the future welfare of the State; as, upon the rising generation prop- 
erly cultivated depends the future welfare of both. How necessary 
then, the adoption of a proper system of mental and moral training! 
Let each parent composing the King's Mountain Asssociation, have 
their minds properly impressed with the wise admonition of one 
who through inspiration said, 'Train up a child in the way he 
should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.' And 
again, 'bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord.' What system so well adapted to this course of religious train- 
ing as Sabbath Schools superintended by pious and judicious Chris- 
tains ; with the Bible in their hands as a text-booK for the instruc- 
tion of those who may be placed as pupils under their care and 
tuition? 

Your committee in view of the many fascinating allurements so 
often brought to bear mischievously upon the morals of the young: 
urge with greater earnestness, the propriety of at once adopting 
Sabbath Schools, as a preventive, hoping that these churches which 
may have acted upon the previous recommendation of this body, mar 



174 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

continue to persevere in the good work, while those who have neg- 
lected to do so, will give it at least a fair trial. 

Respect in lly submitted, JNO. R. LOGAN, Chairman, 

The committee appointed to visit High Shoal Cnurch, 
reported as follows : 

That agreeably to appointment of time and place, we met the 
church at High Shoals, and having conferred together relative to 
the matter at issue. The Church and her Clerk, declared that they 
entertained no intention to cast reflection on the Association, or any 
member thereof, by the expression used in her letter 'Bender unto 
Omar the things that are Ccear's 1 d*c, that they heartily deprecate 
any inferences that may have been drawn therefrom, prejudicial to- 
former fellowship and intercourse; and hope that a continuation of 
the same may subsist through all time; which feeling was properly 
reciprocated on the part of your committee in behalf of the Associa- 
tion. Respectfully submitted, 

THOS. DIXON. Chairman. 

The committee to employ a Missionary again employed 
Elder Ransom P. Logan for three fourth of his time, to labor 
with the churches at Thessalonica, Corinth and Lebanon. 

The seventh anriual'session of 1857 was held at Big 
Spring Church, Rutherford county, N. C. 

Tiie introductory sermon was delivered by Elder Geo. 
W. Rollins of Sandy Run. 

The union consisted 29 churches: membership 2648. 
The number of baptisms since last session 188. 

The Association was organized by electing Elder Geo. 
W. Rollins, Moderator and Bro. J no. R. Logan, Clerk. 

Elder Larkin M. Berry, agent of Domestic and Indian 
Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, attended 
this session Tn aid of the board. 

The following resolutions were adopted : 
Resolved, "That it is inconsistent with the faith of Baptists to 
invite Perlo- Baptists into our pulpits to exercise with us in religious 
worship in any way whatsoever." ''Also to receive persons into 
fellowship who have been immersed by them without re-baptizing 
them." 

It will here be noticed that what is called the "Land 
mark" principles, as advocated b} 7 the Editors of the Tennes- 
see Baptist, was well received by the brethren of this Asso- 
ciation. 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
Alexander J. Cansler of Shelby, on The design of the Lord's 
Supper and the rightful recipients thereof. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 175 

DISMISSION OF MEMBERS. 

The following resolution was adopted : 
"That we advise the several churches composing this Associa- 
tion that when they grant letters of dismission to any of their mem- 
bers to join other churches, that tlieyre quire the members so dis- 
missed, to report him or herself, as the case may be, whenever &o 
joined, by having the certificate of the 'clerk of the church receiving 
them endorsed on the back of their letter, and returned to the 
church granting the same; which report shall be made within six 
months from the date of the letter. And in default thereof; 
said letter if not returned to the church first granting it, shall be 
null and void, and the individual holding the same shall no longer 
fee held in fellowship." 

Remarks. — The object of the association seems to be a 
desire to arrive at some decree of certaintv as to the correct- 
ness of the statistical accounts kept by the churches, as well 
as to prevent looseness on the part of church members. 
Under the old rule of dismissing members, hundreds are every 
year dismissed who probably neglect for several years after, 
to join another church by the letters they hold. All such 
are lost sight of in making out correct tables by the-statis- 
tician. Such members are marked of course as being dis- 
missed, and therefore not counted — while no other church 
could mark them as being received while they hold their let- 
ters in their pockets. The general adoption of the rule pro- 
vided for in the foregoing resolution would tend greatly to 
prevent a careless looseness in neglecting to enroll on the 
church-book, which all good church members should do as 
soon as possibly convenient, but it would tend also to the 
advantage of the Baptist denomination in giving a more 
certain clew to their numerical strength. We doubt, how- 
ever, whether the several churches have ever given the reso- 
lution the attention its merits demand. 

The eighth annual session of 1858 met at Olivet church, 
Catawba county, N. C. The introductory sermon was deliv- 
ered by Elder Joseph Suttle, of Double Springs. There are 
in union 29 churches; membership, 2648. 

REJECTION OF SHELBY CHURCH. 

In consequence of a difficulty having been verbally com- 
municated by Bro. David D. Durham, one of the delegates 
from the Shelby church, that she had disregarded the advice 
of the Association by inviting into her pulpit a Pedro-Baptist 



176 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

minister to assist in public worship, a motion was made to* 
reject her delegates until the matter be investigated, which 
was carried by a vote of the body. 

The body was organized by the election of Elder George 
W. Rollins, Moderator, and Bro. Jos. W. Green, Clerk. 

Remarks. — The difficulty between the Association and 
the Shelby church was afterwards adjudicated and- settled by 
a council of brethren from several of the churches of the 
Broad River and King's Mountain Associations, which con- 
vened at Shelby by request of said church, and was organ- 
ized by the appointment of Elder Drury Scruggs 7 Chairman 7 
and J. R. Logan, Secretary. 

The course of action taken by the church was inquired 
into and duly investigated, after which the council decided 
that the church had acted properly, and had in no wise de- 
parted from the orthodox principles of the Gospel or the 
vi s iges of the Baptist denomination. 

[The church at their next conference meeting tabled a 
charge against the prosecuting delegate in the Association 
and expelled him from fellowship, and at the next meeting 
of the Association applied for a letter of dismission, obtain- 
ed it, and joined the Broad River Association — believing*, 
doubtless, that they had been unbrotherly treated by the 
King's Mountain body.] 

SYMPATHIZING WITH J. R. GRAVES. 

The Association, after rejecting the Shelby delegates, 
adopted the following : 

Resolved, That this Association is greatly pained at hearing of 
the recent misfortune of Elder J. R. Graves, of the Tennessee Bap- 
tist, in the shape of charges which, from their nature, we can only 
regard as emanating from an evil and malicious, persecuting spirit 
on the part of his personal enemies.. We therefore, as a body, tender 
to our brother our condolence and sympathy, and hope thi>t he may 
be preserved and continued under the Providence of God in his 
course of great usefulness to the cause of Truth, in which he has so 
long been engaged. 

Remarks. — This was just after the action of the First 
Church, in Nashville, Tenn., between Graves and Br. R. B. 
C. Howell, when the former was expelled from membership. 

FUNDS FOR MISSION. 

One hundred dollars or more was raised for the mission, 
the churches called on for more money, and a new board ap- 
pointed to carry on the work. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 177 

The ninth annual session of 1859 met at Pleasant Hill 
church, Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder George W. Rollins, of Sandy Hun. 
The Lincolnton church was admitted, making a union of 
30 churches, and a membership of 3090. 

Elder Larkin M. Berry made his first appearance in the 
Association as a delegate. 

In organizing the body, Elder L. M. Berry was elected 
Moderator, and Bro. Jno. R. Logan, Clerk. 

The subjects of Missions, Sabbath Schools and Temper- 
ance engaged the full attention of the body at this session. 

THE SHELBY CHURCH DISMISSED. 

The church at Shelby through her delegates applied for 
a letter of dismission to join the Broad River Association, 
which was granted, and the following resolution was adopted 
by the Association : 

That the difficulties reported in last year's Minutes, as existing 
in the Shelby church, have been removed by said church adopting 
the advice given her by the council called there to investigate the 
same. 

Report. — The following is the report of the committee 
on Temperance, which was adopted : 

We, the committee to report on Temperance to the King's Moun- 
tain Association, beg leave to say that we are of the opinion that the 
church is the place to give the most effective check to the evils of 
intemperance, and we are of the opinion that it will be right and 
proper, and not inconsistent with any of our privileges or liberties, 
nor with the Word of God, for this Association to hereafter refuse to 
receive any church into the union of this body without said church 
have incorporated into its rules one forbidding its members to make, 
buy, sell, or use as a common beverage intoxicating liquors. 

After the adoption of the foregoing report, the subjoin- 
ed resolution was introduced and adopted unanimously : 

Resolved, That whereas our Association adopted the report of 
the committee on Temperance ; therefore we will withdraw ourselves 
from any church in our union which holds a member or members 
who buys, sells or drinks as a common beverage, any kind of intox- 
icating spirits. 

Remarks. — This proceeding on the subject of Temper- 
ance proved to be like a very explosive bomb-shell or disrupt- 
ing fire-brand, almost causing apparent destruction of the 
very life of the Association by the time of its next annual 
assemblage. Let it suffice, however, to say the body still 
23 



178 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

survives the shock it then received, and bids fair to be, since 
the clogs or shackles of intemperance have been removed 
from its escutcheon, a body of twice the influence and power 
that it then wielded or possessed. May it still prove to be 
able, as an aggressive body, to go forward and shake the 
mighty powers of darkness, and be greatly instrumental in 
dethroning Prince Alcohol ! 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
Joseph Suttle, on Prayer. 

The Mission. — The mission is still being fostered and 
in a flourishing condition in the hands of Elders Rollins and 
Suttle. 

STATE OF RELIGION. 

"We give the report of the committee on the State ot 
Religion among the churches, believing that it has already 
accomplished some good and may yet accomplish more: 

It appears from the letters sent up from, the churches composing 
our union that, while a few are rejoicing in the midst of gracious re- 
vivals, and exclaiming, ''The Lord hath done great things for us, 
whereof we are glad," others complain of a cold and lifeless state : 
a few of the churches are almost destitute of a preached Gospel. This 
state of things should not be permitted to continue. It is certainly 
the plain duty of those who have been blessed with the means, to 
have the Gospel preached to the poor ; they should regard it a privi- 
lege that th^y have it in their power to bestow some of their sub- 
stance on so holy and good a cause. Your committee, therefore 
recommend the continuance of the mission already set on foot in our 
associational bounds, and that the necessary steps be taken to place 
in the hands of the board the means of supplying the destitute 
churches and other associational territory belonging to us. We again 
commend to the attention of our churches the great importance of 
establishing Sabbath Schools, which we regret to see, is almost en- 
tirely neglected. And as the churches have preaching only once a 
month, we urge upon them the necessity of holding prayer meetings 
every Sabbath. Let as many of the members as conveniently can 
go to the Sabbath. School, and after the exercises of the school are 
over, form themselves into a prayer-meeting, read the Holy Scrip- 
tures, and sing and pray with and for each other. This, it is be- 
lieved, will unite the members of the churches in a closer bond of 
union, make them watch over each other for good and not for evil, 
as we fear is too frequently the case. Such a course will certainly 
promote individual piety, while it will tend to the development of 
the best gifts, which should be carefully sought out, encouraged and 
cultivated by the churches. By means like this an intelligent and 
efficient ministry will be built up, and prove a blessing, not only to 
the churches but to the world at large. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 170 

Your committee would further recommend that great care should 
be taken to discourage and restrain the unworthy and grossly igno- 
rant from engaging in a public course which can only be calculated 
to bring odium and reproach upon 1 the cause of Christ. Let the 
slanderous charge, "that Baptists are guilty of Jeroboam's sin — of 
making priests of the lowest order of the people," be wiped from 
our escutcheon. In connection with the preaching of a pure, una- 
dulterated Gospel, let means be taken for supplying our churches 
with good religious books wherein our members may be taught more 
fully to understand our denominational principles and sentiments, 
and thus be made more vigilant in defending the ancient landmarks 
that characterize the true Church of Christ from the assaults of gain- 
sayers. The present is evidently a fast age of the world, and in 
order to keep abreast we should make greater and more persevering 
efforts which, if done in a prayerful and God-honoring manner, 
seeking the promotion of God's glory in preference to the building 
up a contentious or factious party, will doubtless meet His divine, 
approbation. Respectfully submitted. 

J. R. Logan, Chairman- 
REVISION OF CONSTITUTION. 

By reason of the alleged latitudinous character ot the 
Associational Constitution, which has governed this body 
from its organization till the present session, a committee 
consisting of Brethren L: M. Berry, Joseph Suttle and Jno. 
R. Logan was appointed to revise or remodel that instru- 
ment so as to restrict its powers to authorize the Association 
to interfere with or settle church difficulties. 

Remarks. — It will here be seen that the Baptists of the 
King's Mountain Association are in favor of church inde- 
pendency, and undisposed to allow the associate body (which 
they consider only the creature of the churches for specific 
objects) any right whatever to interfere in the adjustment or 
settlement of questions of a local nature which have had their 
origin in any of the churches in union, only in the shape of 
advice. The rule works very well, and many disturbing 
questions are kept down thereby which, if suffered to go up 
to the Association for adjudication, would shake the confed- 
eracy of churches from center to circumference, and serious 
schisms would thereby often be the result. 

THE SECEDING SESSION. 

The tenth annual session in 1860 met at High Shoal 
church, Rutherford county, N". C. The introductory sermon 
was preached by Elder Larkin M. Berry, of the Lin coin ton 
church, from Rom. xiv. 19. "Let us therefore follow after 



ISO KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one 
may edify another." After recess the churches were called 
by the presiding officer, Elder L, M. Berry, when letters 
were handed in and read from Buffalo, Sandy Run, Zoar, 
Boiling Springs, Mount Sinai, Mount Pleasant, BeaAer Dam, 
Pleasant Hill, Big Spring, Bethlehem, Long Creek, Olivet, 
Thesalonica, Corinth and Lincolnton, and the state of each 
minuted. 

The other churches in union (with the exception of St. 
John's and Lebanon, which were not represented) were not 
received, by reason of not carrying out the resolution of the 
last session in reference to Temperance. Their letters were 
laid on the table. 

Zion Hill, from the Green River Association, was then 
admitted into the Association. 

The body was then organized by the election of Elder 
L. M. Berry, Moderator, and Bro. Jno. R. Logan, Clerk. 

The body then proceeded to transact the usual business 
of an Association. On Saturday a memorial came up from 
sundry aggrieved members of Zion church. Also a petition 
of similar import from Walls' church, and after a free and 
full discussion of the points involved the body adopted the 
following : 

Whereas, Several of the members of Zion and Walls' churches 
have made efforts to pass and carry out the resolution adopted at 
our last session on the subject of Temperance, but failed ; and, accord- 
ing to their request, we desire to give them aid. Therefore be it 

Resolved, That a committee of five brethren be sent from this 
body to examine the condition of each of the said churches and me- 
morialists which, if received by said churches are to render such 
aid as they may be able, to reconcile and settle the existing difficulty, 
and in case of failure, then to declare the said memorialists (if found 
orthodox and worthy,) the church in each case respectively. 

It was then moved that the standing of those churches whose 
letters were tabled on Friday be looked into, and a.ter obtaining 
such information as could be given by their delegates the body deci- 
ded that in consequence of the uncertain posiiion occupied by Dou- 
ble Springs, High Shoals and Mount Paran, it would not be advisable 
to receive their delegates at this session ; but prayerfully commend 
the subject of Temperance to their consideration, hoping they may 
be disposed to reflect more deeply upon it, and place themselves in a 
more proper attitude for reception at the next meeting of the Asso- 
ciation. 

The churches at Xew Bethel, Mount Vernon and Xew 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 181 

Prospect evincing a determination to carry out the restora- 
tion of this body on the temperance resolution were indulged 
until the next session and their delegates received. 

Elder Joseph Suttle, of Double Springs church, was in- 
vited to a seat in council, he being in full accord with the 
Association. 

The following was adopted : 
Resolved, That we extend to Zion church all christian courtesy, 
and especially to Elder Robert Poston, an ordained minister and 
member of said church, until the meeting of the committee sent 
there to iuvestigte the difficuty existing in said church; and brother 
Poston is hereby invited to a seat in council. 

It was then moved that the action taken as to Mount 
Parati and High Shoals churches be reconsidered and upon 
the pledges given by their delegates said churches were re- 
ceived into the union. 

The status ofBeaver Dam, Bethel and Sandy Plains 
were further inquired into, but found incorrigible as to the 
temperance resolution, and were therefore withdrawn from. 

Elder John J. Jones, of Mount Paran church," profess- 
ing to be in full accord with the Association was invited to 
a seat in council. 

The following preamble and resolution was adopted : 
Whereas, By an act of this body we have withdrawn from 
churches formerly in union with us; if there be any members be- 
longing to either of those churches that desire to belong to the 
churches in our union. 

Resolved, That we advise our churches to receive them in full 
fellowship, provided nothing sinful or improper be found against 
them. And should any member be excluded from any Baptist 
church for advocating temperance principles as embraced in the 
resolution of our Association that they also be received. 

The committee to revise the constitution reported and 
were discharged. 

On a motion to adopt, the ayes and nays were recorded, 
Ayes 25, nays 6. (See constitution as remodeled and re- 
ported.) 

Remarks. — Thus passed away one of the most stormy 
sessions ever witnessed by the members of the King's Moun- 
tain Association. For a considerable space of time before 
the meeting of the Association there were many very visible 
and unmistakable signs of trouble brewing in the direction 



182 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

of High Shoal church, where the Association was to meet. 
Although it appeared to be a portentous cloud in the dis- 
tance, hopes were entertained that it would blow over with- 
out doing much damage. We however, anticipated a con- 
siderable storm and sure enough our anticipations were 
realized. In the first place there was great difficulty in or- 
ganizing. So great was the noise and confusion when the 
churches were called, it was found to be very difficult to 
minute the statistics of the body. Before receiving the 
church letters of credence the interrogatory was put by the 
acting Moderator as to whether the temperance resolution 
of the last sessson had been carried out in good faith ? If 
the answer was in accordance with the resolution the letter 
and delegation were received, and if otherwise they were re- 
jected. This created much confusion, and-it sometimes hap- 
pened that several were on the floor at the same time for 
liberty of speech. It was very difficult to preserve even the 
semblance of order, but the efficiency and tact of the Mode- 
rator, although fully tested, proved equal to the emergency. 
Suffice it to say he succeeded in the organization of the body, 
and after the appointment of the various committees on the 
associational business, the Association adjourned. When 
the meeting hour arrived on Saturday the doors of the meet- 
ing house were found closed by lock and key, and the dele- 
gation retired to a stand erected in a grove, where the busi- 
ness of the Association was transacted in the rain until the 
hour of adjournment. On Sunday the doors were opened 
and the business transacted in the meeting house, the body 
being invited to do so by the church, which invitation was 
cordially accepted. 

The Circular Letter, prepared by Elder L. M. Berry, on 
the design and authority of Associations and the true relations ex- 
isting between them and the churches they representees adopted, 
and the body adjourned. 

Subjoined is the revised constitution, as reported by the 
.committee : 

CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION. 

At the session of 1859, at Pleasant Hill church, a reso- 
lution was passed appointing a committee to revise the Con- 
stitution of the Association, with a view to restricting its 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 183 

jurisdiction over church difficulties, and limiting more spe- 
cifically its ecclesiastical powers. The committee consisted 
of Elders L. M, Berry, J. Suttle and Bro. J. R. Logan, who 
reported to the body at its session of 1860, at High Shoal 
church, the following : 

CONSTITUTION OF THE KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

We, the united Baptist churches of Jesus Christ, located partly 
in the States of North Carolina and South Carolina, having all been 
immersed upon a profession of our faith in Christ, propose to main- 
tain the order and rules of an Association according to the following 
plan : 

Article 1st. This Association shall be known by the name of the 
King's Mountain Baptist Association. 

2nd. This Association shall be composed of such members as 
shall be chosen and recommended by the churches in union. 

3rd: Other churches may become members of this Association 
by their delegates j)resenting certificates of their appointment, pro- 
vided on examination they be found orthodox. 

4th. The Association shall organize by electing a Moderator and 
Clerk, who shall hold their appointments until another election, 
unless displaced by the body. 

5th. This Association, as an act of christian courtesy, may invite 
ministers of our denomination to seats with us in council. 

6th. This Association, when convened, shall be governed by a 
regular and proper decorum, which they are authorized to form for 
themselves. 

7th. This Association hath an inalienable right to judge what 
churches shall be admitted into its confederacy. 

8th. The Association thus formed shall be regarded by us only 
in the light of an advisory council, with no coercive power "to lord 
it over God's heritage." 

9th. This Association shall have power to withdraw from any 
church in its connection that shall hold corrupt doctrines or indulge 
in sinful or vicious practices. 

10th. Every church in union having a membership not exceed- 
ing fifty in number, shall be entitled to a representation of two del- 
egates, and one additional delegate for every increase of fifty over 
that number. 

11th. The primary object of this Association shall be "to strive 
for the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace" amongst the 
churches, the employment of domestic missionaries, and to keep up 
the statistical accounts of the churches in its connection, and finally, 
to concentrate our efforts for the advancement of the Redeemer's 
kingdom on earth, and for the deposition of the works of darkness. 
12th. None but the members of this body shall be allowed a vote 
in its councils, and a majority shall decide in disposing of and set- 
tling all business that may constitutionally come before them. 

13th. This Association in all cases disclaims the right in its asso- 



184 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

ciate capacity to settle church difficulties, but when a division occurs 
and two parties equally claim to be the church, and represent them- 
selves by letter aud delegates, this Association shall have the right 
to decide at the first or some future meeting of its body thereafter, 
which party shall be recognized as the constitutional church, and 
entitled to a seat in council. 

14th. The Minutes of the Association shall be read each day and 
corrected, if need be, by the body, and when the business shall be 
gone through with, signed by the Moderator and Clerk before the 
Association rises. 

15th. Any article of this constitution may be altered or amended 
at any annual meeting, by a majority of two-thirds of the delegates 
present voting for the same. 

The foregoing constitution, after some discussion, was adopted 
by the Association, convened at High Shoals church Oct. 26th, I860. 
Ayes 25, nays 6. 

According to the provisions of the old constitution the report of 
the revision committee was continued until the next session, which 
convened at Lincolnton church in October, 1861, when and where 
it was again adopted by the body. Ayes 16, nays 13. 

A majority vote of two successive sessions of the Association 
having been favorable to the adoption of the reported constitution 
of the committee, it was therefore enrolled and ordered to be pub- 
lished in the Minutes of the body as the Constitution of the King's 
Mountain Association, by which the body will hereafter be governed. 
The 11th annual session of 1861 met at Lincolnton 
church, Lincoln county, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was preached by Elder Ransom P, Logan, of Bethlehem 
church. John iii. 7 : "Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye 
must be born again." 

The new church, Bethel, was admitted — making a union 
of 22 churches, and membership of 1956 communicants. 

The body was organized by the election of Elder Lar- 
kin M. Berry, Moderator, and Bro. Jno. R. Logan, Clerk. 

READING OF CONSTITUTIONS. 

The old or first Constitution, Rules of Order, and Ab- 
stract of Principles, and also the new constitution as reported 
by the committee of last year, were read by the Clerk. 

The new constitution was put upon its second reading 
and adopted by the body. Ayes 16, nays 13. 

After the transaction of the usual routine of associa- 
tional business, the following preamble and resolutions were 
adopted : 

Whereas, At the last session of this body we were from a sense 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 185 

of duty constrained to withdraw from the churches at Bethel, Beaver 
Dam and Sandy Plains, by reason of their refusal to adopt and carry 
out the principles of Temperance, as emhodied in the resolution 
adopted by this body at its session of 1859 ; and whereas, since ,ou'r 
last session the churches at Boiling Springs, Mount Sinai, Mount 
Pleasant, High Shoals and Mount Paran have rent off from our 
union and leagued with those churches already withdrawn from, for 
the ostensible object or purpose of forming themselves into a sepa- 
rate association with anti-temperance proclivities, which act, if con- 
summated, will be irregular, and contrary to the usages of Baptists 
in good order and orthodox standing. Therefore be it 

Besolved, By this Association, that the churches above named 
in such new and spurious organization shall no longer be recognized 
by this bodj^ as orthodox, and we hereby ignore all intercourse and 
christian correspondence with them for the future, while they re- 
main disorderly, and caution our sister associations with whom we 
correspond, to hold them at a distance as a heterodox and disorderly 
body. 

Report. — We give the report in full of the committee 
sent last year to Willi's chnrch, to enable the reader to form 
a proper idea of the state of feeling on the vexed question of 
Temperance : 

"We met at Wall's meeting houee on the 28th and 29th days of 
December, 1860, and after a full and fair investigation of all the facts 
presented, find twenty-six white members besides three colored ones, 
standing firmly upon -the subject of Temperance, and laboring to 
carry out the resolution of your body at its session of 1859, including 
three deacons of said church. We also ascertained the facts connect- 
ed with the transaction of said church prior to the meeting 
of the committee, as follows: That at the November meeting the 
church met. but having no regular supply, did not sit in conference, 
and as the twenty-six members understood, agreed to have no meet- 
ing untiA the meeting of the committee. But at the time of the 
December meeting that part of the church opposed to Temperance, 
met, preferred charges and excluded, or pretended to exclude, the 
eight members who petitioned your body for a committee, which 
they did, as they confessed to your committee, for the enormous 
crime of joining the Temperance party (?) And all this business 
transaction was done with a man presiding as Moderator whom 
your body decided at its last session was in disorder, and moreover 
the said anti-temperance part of the church holds and refuses to 
surrender the church book, and although the keys with the house 
were in the possession of the Temperance part of the church, the 
Anties have fastened the house with three additional locks, and, 
when your committee met, obstinately and wickedly refused to let 
the committee or congregation enter the house. Your committee, 
therefore, have no hesitancy in pronouncing the twenty-six white 
members with the three colored, as the regular Baptist church at 
Wall's, and the anti-temperance party as a rebellious faction in gross 
disorder, and not worthy of the name of Baptist. 
Respectfully submitted. 

L. M.i-BEKRY, ~\ 

G. W. Rollins, \ Committee. 
J. C. Lattimore. J 
24 



18G KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

CORRESPONDING LETTER. 

We give the corresponding letter of the body addressed 
to the other associations : 

Dearly Beloved Brethren :— We have again, through God's 
providence, been permitted to assemble together in an associate ca- 
pacity with the church at Lincolnton, and we are happy to inform 
you that we have had a very pleasant and we hope profitable session. 
Some of our churches in union report prosperously, while others 
appear to be in a cold and languid state. Eight of the churches for- 
merly in union with us having made a stumbling block of our action 
upon the subject of Temperance, have gone out from among us to 
set up for themselves. We very much deprecate the act of our 
brethren in their revolutionary project, and would fain hope that, 
on proper reflection, they will yet see the impropriety and folly of 
their reckless and disorganizing course. We can but consider them 
now as being in disorder, and consequently cannot hold christian 
intercourse with them. Being fully sensible of the disastrous conse- 
quences of dram-drinking by professing christians to the church of 
Jesus Christ, and thoroughly convinced, as we are, of our course 
being the only safe one, it cannot therefore be presumed or expected 
that we should be influenced to recede from it. We expect to main- 
tain our position, God being our helper. We hope, therefore, our 
brethren with whom we correspond will render us such assistance 
as they may be able, to carry out the great principles for which we 
are contending. Our Minutes will serve to communicate to yon 
more fully our situation and standing as an Association, to which 
you are referred. * * * 

May the God of all grace continue to prosper His cause on the 
earth, and may the time. speedily arrive when our once happy and 
prosperous country will be relieved from the thraldom of war an 1 
be again restored to peace and harmony, and the cause of Christ be 
made to flourish and shine with greater lustre and brilliancy, is the 
prayer of yours in Gospel bonds. 

L. M. Berry, Moderator. 
J. R. Logan, ClerK. 

Deaths. — The demise of Elder Joseph Suttle is noticed 
in the Minutes of this session, who had died on the 26th of 
May previously. (See biography of Elder Suttle in this 
work.) 

The death of Deacon William Covington is also noticed 
iii the report of the committee on Obituaries. Bro. Coving- 
ton was a father in Israel, having lived for half a century a 
pious and orderly member of the church, discharging the 
duties of a deacon for many years. His godly walk and 
conversation were known to many, while temperance was 
conspicuous among the christian virtues that adorned his 
character. He was an honest man. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. ■ 187 

Remarks. — To which tribute of respect we can heartily 
subscribe, having' known Bro. Covington from the year 1831 
up to the time of his death. He generally attended the ses- 
sions of the Association as one of the representatives of the" 
Zion church, and was ever to be found at the post of duty. 
He was a man of quick and strong impulses, of unimpeach- 
able veracity, and always observant of the ties of friendship 
that bound him to the christian brotherhood. 

, HUMILIATION AND PRAYER. 

The cruel war between the States had been inaugurated 
and some battles fought by the contending parties, which 
prompted the adoption of the following: 

Resolved, That in all the recent battles fought and won by the 
Confederate army since the commencement of the present unjust 
and unholy war upon the South by the abolitionists of the North, 
this Association recognizes the linger of God in His special provi- 
dence, interposing in our behalf as an oppressed section or nation, 
for which, as a christian body, we feel it to be our duty in deep hu- 
mility to return thanks to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, whose 
right and prerogative it is to control not only the actions and desti- 
nies of men, but also of nations. We therefore agree to set apart 
the 25th of December and 1st day of January next as days of fasti np , 
humiliation and prayer, and hereby request the pastors and supplies 
of churches in our union to assemble their congregations at their 
respective houses of worship on the days set apart for the worship of 
God. And we further invite the co-operation of all those who love 
God and our country in invoking His blessings upon our army and 
the cause of the oppressed, that He may thwart the evil machina- 
tions of our enemies, give them better hearts and purer dispositions 
towards us, and finally restore peace and harmony to our once happy 
but now distracted and bleeding country. 

The Circular Letter to the churches was written by Elder 
G. W. Rollins, on the subject of Christian Love. 

The 12th annual session of 1862 met with E"ew Bethel 
church, Cleveland county, 1ST. C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder L. M. Berry, 1st Pet. i. 15, 16, Elder 
P. R. Elam, the appointee, being absent in the camps. 

There appears 21 churches represented; membership, 
1878. 

Elder Geo. W. Rollins was elected Moderator, and Jno. 
R. Logan, Clerk. 

Reports. — Elders Lewis v McCurry and L. M. Berry 
reported, as follows : 



188 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

That as missionaries under the appointment of the Board, in the 
Catawba Valley, the former had labored 24 days, the latter 15 days, 
and that the interest in the field of their operations was increasing, 
and should by all means be kept up ; whereupon the body ordered 
the Treasurer to audit the missionary claims. Owing, we suppose, 
to the distracted situation of the country we do not find that the 
body continued the mission the ensuing year. 

INTENT OF THE TEMPERANCE RESOLUTION. v 

Elder L. M. Berry introduced the following resolution, 
which was unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That the true intent and spirit of the resolution on 
Temperance, passed at the session of 1859, is intended to prohibit 
members from making, or having made by others for medicinal pur- 
poses, any ardent spirits, or to vend or use the same in any sense as 
a beverage. > 

Speculators. — The following preamble and resolution 
was adopted : 

Whereas, A large number of our brethren and citizens of the 
country are now upon the tented field engaged in the defense of our 
rights, w T hile many of their families are doubtless suffering, or will 
suffer, for the wants of life, caused by the high prices produced by 
speculators, unless something be done to prevent so sad a state of 
things. 

Resolved, Therefore, that we very much deprecate the course of 
speculators, and regard them as worse enemies to our country than 
the Yankee abolitionists of the North, and hope the Legislature of 
North Carolina will take some steps to put a stop to their operations, 
by regulating or reducing the prices of the necessaries of life. To 
procure relief from suifering occasioned thereby, this resolution is 
intended as a petition to memorialize the General Assembly of the 
State. 

Remarks. — We recollect that we had the honor of in- 
troducing a copy of the foregoing paper into the Legislature 
of T^oi'th Carolina while occupying a seat in the House of 
Representatives from Cleveland county, which was referred 
to the committee on Propositions and Grievances, and which 
doubtless contributed in a degree, in connection with other 
memorials from different parts of the State, to strengthen 
the executive arm of the State government so as to amelio- 
rate the condition of the people, and prevent the contem- 
plated suffering, by shipping supplies to the most available 
and practicable points for distribution. The class of crea- 
tures denounced in the resolution as "speculators," and 
worse than our Yankee enemies, were certain shy-locks or 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 189 

skin-flints, moving in every direction through the country — 

sometimes in the character of government agents, impress- 
ing the most valuable stock, and otherwise procuring for the 
smallest amount of money all the surplus food and raiment 
of the country, under the pretense that it was all for the use 
of the army, and then extortioning on the people at unheard 
of prices upon the necessities and wants of life. Many of 
these soulless bipeds not only attempted to swindle and 
practice extortion on the necessaries of life, but even life 
itself was bought and sold in the shape of substitutes, to 
screen the precious carcasses of monied cowards from being 
-truck by the battles of the enemy. 

OBJECTS OF ASS0CIATIONAL WORK. 

The reports made on the different branches of associa- 
tional work — Missions, Temperance, Sabbath Schools, &c, are 
all encouraging — showing that notwithstanding the country 
is greatly disturbed by war, yet there is a corresponding 
effort being made to evangelize the country by sending the 
Gospel to those who have it not 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Bro. 
J. R. Logan, the same being a synoptical history of the Broad 
River and King's Mountain Associations. This was prepared 
merely to preserve old associational records. 

Churches Dismissed. — The churches of Buffalo and 
New Prospect, for reasons satisfactory to them, asked for 
and received letters of dismission to join the Broad River 
Association. St. John's was also dismissed to join Catawba 
River Association. 

Fast Days, &g. — The following resolutions were adopted : 

Resolved, That we celebrate the first Sunday in December and 

second Sunday in January next, as days of fasting-, humiliation and 

prayer for the cause of our country and its army, now engaged in 

the defense of our liberties, that God may bless and prosper them. 

Resolved, That we advise the members of our churches, while 
engaged in their morning and evening devotions, to specially plead 
with the Great Ruler of all things for the prosperity of the cause of 
the Confederate States, and in their epistolarv correspondence with 
friends in the army, they request them to unite their petitions with 
ours for the same. 

The following were introduced and adopted : 
Resolved. That we are greatly pained at the news that has reach- 
ed us during the present session of the death of our much esteemed 



19Q KING 'g MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

brother, Solomon Baker, of Thessalonica church, who had been del- 
egated to this body, but on Friday last at 4 o'clock p. m., the Great 
Head of the Church called him to the Great Association above. 

Resolved, That we tender to his bereaved family our prayers and 
condolence on an occasion so afflicting to them and distressing to us, 

The 13th annual session of 1863 was held at Sandy Run 
church, Cleveland county,. N. C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder Geo. W. Rollins, from Lam. iii. 40. 
The union consists of 20 churches and a membership of 1956. 

Elected Elder Geo. "W. Rollins, Moderator, and J. R. 
Logan, Clerk. 

The usual associational business was transacted quietly. 

Sabbath Collection. — The Sabbath collection amounted 
to $671.50, to aid in sending the Gospel to the North Caro- 
lina troops in the army of the Confederate States, The 
Clerk adds, "May God bless the efforts now being made in 
behalf of the noble defenders of our rights and liberties, and 
may the blessings of the Gospel of peace be spread far and 
wide over our sin-stricken land and ultimately evangelize 
the nations now sitting in gross darkness and idolatry." 

CHANGE OF SESSION. 

Resolved, That in future we change the time of holding the an- 
nual sessions of this body, so as to embrace the third Sabbath ira 
September in each year. 

With a degree of pain we republish to the world the 
notice taken by the Association of Elder Drury Scruggs, of 
the Broad River Association : 

Resolved, That we caution the churches of the King's Mountain 
Association, and all the Baptists with whom we have union and 
correspondence, against a certain Drury Scruggs, as an impostor? 
who has been excluded from his church in the Broad River Associ- 
ation for very immoral conduct, and is now preaching through the 
country, and also advise the churches to warn their members and 
the community against encouraging such a corrupt man by going to 
hear him preach. 

Remarks. — We shall have more to say about Elder 
Seniors hereafter in a more fittinsr place. He was for many 
years a prominent minister of the Broad River Association, 
and we once thought very well of him, but he may have 
fallen into sin and thereby brought reproach on himself and 
the good cause he so long advocated. We would fondly 
cherish the hope that he was only suffering "persecution for 
righteousness sake." 



KIMTO MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 191 

The 14th annual session of 1864 met at Bethel church, 
Iredell county, N. C. Elder L. M. Berry preached the in- 
troductory sermon from Psalms 133d, 1st verse. The union 
consisted of only 17 churches, with a membership of 1226. 

The body organized by the election of Elder Ransom P. 
Logan, Moderator, and Bro. Jno. R. Logan, Clerk. 

Elder J. Iv. Howell from the Central Association, rep- 
resenting Sabbath School interests, was invited to a seat in 
council. 

-SABBATH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 

The following resolution was adopted by the body : 
Resolved, That * * * we will appoint Elder G. M. Webb to 
preach to and organize Sabbath Schools in all the churches he may 
be able to, and collect whatever funds he can for services rendered., 
and report the result of his operations to the next session of the Asso- 
ciation. 

Efforts were made to increase the missionary funds by 
collections and pledges, and a resolution adopted requesting 
the several churches to send up their free-will offerings to 
the next meeting of the Association, to keep on foot the 
mission to the Catawba Valley. 

A Circular Letter, written by Elder Gabriel Phillips, of 
the Broad River Association, on the subject of Intemperance^ 
was adopted for this year, (Elder R. Boston failed to write.) 

Remarks, — There was, comparatively speaking, but lit- 
tle important business transacted at this meeting of the body, 
yet it was a very pleasant and agreeable session notwith- 
standing. The brethren and citizen friends around the 
Bethel church made more than an average display of urban- 
ity and hospitality in the accommodation of the Associatiun 



during its session. 



CORRESPONDING LETTER. 

The following is the corresponding letter of the session : 
Dearly Beloved Brethren composing the Broad River, Bethel, Cataw- 
ba River, and Brown's Creek Associations : 

Through the Providence of God, our Heavenly Father, we have 
ajrain been permitted to meet together in an associate capacity, and 
through His aid and guidance are yet keeping up a distinct organi- 
zation as the King's Mountain Baptist Association, and have had, 
notwithstanding the troubles and outside pressure that surrounds 
us, a pleasant session. Our business has been transacted in the fear 
of God, and in brotherly love, while our hearts have been made glad 



102 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

because of the presence of a few corresponding and visiting brethren* 
from other bodies. We have to lament and regret, however, the fail- 
ure on the part of messengers appointed by nearly all the Associa- 
tions with whom we correspond, to attend our session. We hope 
this is not owing to any lack of fellowship or christian comity, which 
should at all times characterize the followers of our common Savior, 
and hope that we shall yet avail ourselves of the good counsels of 
our brethren in sessions yet to come. A goodly number of our 
churches, too, have not been represented in the present session, ow- 
ing, probably, to causes not properly under their control growing 
out of the cruel war in which we are engaged, and the fact that our 
session has been held in a remote extreme of our territory. The 
reports from some of our churches are encouraging, having had 
refreshing seasons from the presence of the Lord. By reference to 
our Minutes you will find that the various christian enterpriser 
requiring patronage have had the consideration of the body, and 
Sabbath Schools have received a new impetus that we trust will 
hereafter be productive of great good to the cause amongst all of our 
churches. 

Our next Association will convene with the church at Zoar. 
******* We anticipate a full attendance 
from corresponding bodies, as our session will be more central and 
convenient. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 
Amen. Ransom P. Logan, Moderator. 

John R. Logan, Clerk. 

The 15th annua] session of 1865 was held at Zoar church- 
Cleveland county, K. CL 

The introductory sermon was preached by Elder Geo. 
W.Rollins from Exodus xxxii. 25 6 Who is on tbe Lord's side/ 
There were 16 churches represented, membership, 1502. 

The body organized with Elder Ransom P. Logan, 
Moderator and Bro. Jno. R. Logan. Clerk. 

Queries.— - After transacting the usual assoeiational 
business, the following queries from Zoar and Double 
Springs were taken up : 

"Would it not be conducive to the interests of religion, and the 
general cause of Christ within the bounds of the King's Mountain 
Association, for said body to labor with and if possible take such 
measures as may be calculated to restore harmony and fellowship 
with these chinches once constituent members of the Association 
who, probably by reason of an honest difference of opinion on the 
subject of Temperance, have seceded from the body?" 

The foregoing query having been referred to the com- 
mittee on Queries, was considered, and the following report 
made on the subject : 

In answer to Zoar church your committee believe it to be right 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 193 

to labor with the brethren referred to, and if possible obtain a recon- 
ciliation according to Gospel principles ; and in order to effect an 
object so desirable, we, from the purest motives, agree to make the 
proposition that, should said churches or any number of them, return 
to us on said terms, we will cordially receive them, or refer the mat- 
ters in dispute to a disinterested committee of brethren in good 
standing (outside of the parties) for adjustment, and abide by their 
decision. 

The following is a query from Double Springs church : 
"Is it consistent for a brother who affiliates with the other divis- 
ion of the King's Mountain Association to participate with us in 
worship ?" 

The committee on Queries answered the foregoing as 
follows : 

"After mature reflection, we advise our ministers not to partici- 
pate with or invite the ministers of the so-called other division of 
the King's Mountain Association, or those affiliating with them, to 
participate with us in religious worship while they remain irrecon- 
ciled to each other." 

The report of the committee on Queries was adopted by 
the body. 

The Circular Letter, prepared by Elder Larkin M. 
Berry, on the proper observance of the Christian Sabbath, was 
adopted. 

Elder L. M. Berry gave an account of his stewardship 
as missionary to the Catawba Valley, which was satisfactory. 

BAPTIST CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL MESSENGER. 

Elder Tilman R. Gaines obtained leave to urge the claims 
of his "Baptist Church and Sunday School Messenger" upon 
the attention of the Association, and the committee on Peri- 
odicals gave it the following endorsement: 

We know of no Baptist paper now being published in North 
Carolina ; yet we are happy in being able to inform you that a Bap- 
tist monthly, in pamphlet form, is about to be started in the town of 
Shelby, by Rev. T. R. Gaines, known as "The Baptist Church and 
Sunday School Messenger, "devoted to the Baptist cause and Sabbath 
School interests. Your committee are of opinion that such a period- 
ical would be of great service to the general cause of Christ, and 
recommend that it be sustained. L. M. Berry, Ch'm. 

Remarks. — After issuing some half dozen copies of this 
most excellent work, the editor was compelled to suspend 
for lack of patronage, much to the regret of all who availed 
themselves of the benefits of its well tilled columns. Could 
not another such a periodical, devoted to the same good 
cause, be gotten up and sustained ? We are sure that such 
25 



194 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

an enterprise ought to be sustained by the Baptists within 
the bounds of the King's Mountain Association. 

Report. — The Sunday School agent made the following 
report of his work : 
To the King 's Mountain Bcqitist Association — Greeting: 

Dear Brethren : — As agent of your body I submit this, my 
annual report : I have devoted nearly all my time to the work as- 
signed me, up to the time the Federal troops got possession of the 
country ; since then I have done but little, owing to the distracted 
and unsettled condition of the country. I am happy to inform you 
that while I labored in the cause of Sabbath Schools I had fine suc- 
cess, and established six schools — one at each of the following 
churches: Concord, Big Spring, Double Springs, Zion, Pleasant Hill 
and Olivet. I visited nearly all the churches, but failing to procure 
books, did not succeed in establishing schools. Besides the six 
schools established by me, I find flourishing schools at Zoar, Lih- 
colnton and Mount Vernon churches, and I hope the time is not far 
distant when we shall have schools established in all of our churches 
in union, and in every church and Association in the land. 

I received from the Sabbath School Board at Raleigh, N. C, over 
one\housand copies of Sabbath School books, and could have sold 
as many more if I had had the means of getting them from the 
board. I now recommend that a stronger effort be made by the As- 
sociation in behalf of Sabbath Schools than ever. Let every minis- 
ter and deacon, and layman go to work for the cause, and they will 
never regret the effort. G. M. Webb, Agent. 

Domestic Missions. — Somewhat in connection with the 
Sabbath School work, we give the report of the committee 
on Domestic Missions and Temperance : 

We are truly sorry that a state of depression has seized the minds 
of brethren upon this important subject It is true that pecuniaiy 
embarrassments, for the want of a sound currency, has presented an 
insuperable barrier at present to missionary operations, causing a 
temporary suspension of measures, but it is hoped that a brighter 
day is yet to be seen in the distance, when we shall be enabled to 
resume the good work of pushing forward more fully all the darling 
enterprises of the Gospel. 

As it regards the subject of Temperance, we still recognize it as 
one of the fruits of the Spirit, and recommend to the churches a 
strict watch over their respective memberships, and, so far as possi- 
ble, counteract intemperance generally in all things, and especially 
the evils of distilling, vending and immoderately using ardent spir- 
its. If the churches fail to use proper discipline, and rely too much 
on the advice of the Association in this important matter, we need 
expect but little progress. Indeed, associational resolutions serve, 
in many instances, only to distract and engender strife amongst the 
churches, and should therefore be avoided. If any of the churches 
hold drunken, disorderly members, let them be immediately dealt 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 195 

with and expelled, if not reclaimed. By a faithful exercise of Gospel 
discipline amongst the churches we shall have the favor of God, our 
Maker, and prosper and flourish ; otherwise we may expect to retro- 
grade and fall into many heinous and grievous sins, and eventually 
bring reproach upon the cause which we profess to love and serve. 
Respectfully submitted. Jno. R. Logan, Ch'm. 

We also give in our work the report of the committee 
on the moral aspect and state of the country : 

Your committee, with a degree of pain, mingled with sorrow, 
have to report that, by recent events growing out of the late civil 
war between the North and the South, the ship of State has been 
wrecked and tossed as by a great tempest, from one extreme of the 
country to another, by reason of which the various enterprises of the 
church have been made to participate in the general suffering: By 
the reverses of the war — producing almost general demoralization, 
and for the want of a reliable currency or circulating medium — it is 
impossible to make extensive operations of any character or kind 
whatsoever; and, therefore, a- general apathy or depression seen. s 
to have seized the minds of all, and is everywhere abounding, and 
even preying upon the vitals of religion itself. 

Our young men who have escaped the untimely grave of the 
soldier, are now amongst us without employment, brooding over 
blighted hopes and realizing for themselves the sad consequences of 
defeat, and w T e fear that not a few of them, by reason of this state of 
tilings, have taken to their cups or gambling shops, and are now to 
be seen on the plain highway to ruin. In view of this deplorable 
state of things, it behooves all of those professing the name of Christ, 
however humble or feeble they may be, to endeavor to interpose in 
their behalf and snatch them as brands from the burning fire of de- 
struction. Let them be kindly taken by the hand by every christian 
-patriot and philanthropist and properly encouraged and cheered for 
their noble and valiant deeds of daring in defense of what they 
honestly conceived to be their dearest rights and interests. Let them 
not be placed under the ban of public opinion or censure as though 
they were to occupy the position of alien enemies. The struggle 
having resulted unfavorably,. as to the cause for which they battled, 
and everything having been done that our resources enabled us to 
do, let those young men (upon whom hang the hopes of the country) 
be influenced to ground the arms of rebellion against the properly- 
constituted authority of the country, and yield their allegiance and 
loyalty, as required by the divine law to the higher ruling power, 
and make the best of the present situation— from the fact that good 
order is at all times preferable to anarchy and confusion, and thus, 
by a course of unfeigned godly obedience to the goodly laws of State , 
we shall yet secure t«> ourselves ami posterity ninny o, the inesiima 
ble privileges for which our ancestors struggled in' the early days of 
the Kepublic — amongst which none are of greater consequence to us 
than the liberty of conscience, the privilege of worshipping the true 
God. under our own vine and flu- tree, while no one shall dare to 
molest or make us ashamed or afraid. 



196 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Our various christian enterprises, although suspended for a time, 
should still be cherished and patronized as much as possible, and 
kept near our hearts, while our prayers are ascending before the 
throne of God as the voice of one man, that He would hasten the 
period of time when it shall please Him to drive away from our 
political horizon the dark clouds which now seem suspended over 
us, and once more favor Zion with the trucsunshine of Gospel light, 
truth and love. Let the blessings of peace henceforth be more fully 
appreciated and cultivated, while extreme men in Church or State 
shall be marked— and war, with the fomenters of bloody strife, shall 
be deprecated by all. Respectfully submitted. 

J. R. Logan, Chairman. 
Remarks. — The foregoing was written just after the 
close of the war, while the Federal process of reconstruction 
was developing its horrid iniquities in attempting to humil- 
iate the Southern people by. disfranchisement, and the en- 
franchisement of their late slaves, for the purpose of enabling 
a few adventurers, mostly from 'New England — generally 
known about that time as "Carpet-baggers," who, in con- 
junction with a few recreant sons of the South, known as 
"Scallawags" — were busily engaged in playing second fiddle 
to the negro population to procure their co-operation which, 
when secured, would give the combined trio the numerical 
strength they desired to run the machinery of the State gov- 
ernments. They succeeded in this . nefarious attempt, and 
for a while run riot over the best portion of the people, who 
owned the property, loading them with heavy taxation and 
burdens intolerable to be borne. This appeared as blight 
and mildew on the future prospects of the Southern people, 
who were always a brave and chivalric race, prefering death 
to ignominious degradation. 

The young men resolved publicly, as well as in secret 
conclave, they would not submit to be thus degraded and 
ruled as with a rod of iron. They organized themselves into 
secret societies, and to some extent took the law into their 
own hands and commenced a course of regulation, where 
they deemed it necessary. And doubtless many excesses 
were perpetrated which might have been avoided, had the 
government exercised even-handed justice and common sense 
in its reconstruction measures. A great hue and cry was 
now raised from Maine to Texas against a secret organiza- 
tion known as the Ivu-Klux Kian, who, it was said, was 
raised up as by magic from the graves of the Confederate 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 197 

dead, and the power of the government was invoked to put 
down an organization of such danger and magnitude. It is 
said that a great many good men, even ministers of the Gos- 
pel, had joined or identified themselves with the new organ- 
ization; and it is doubtless true that they did, and were 
influenced to do so from pure motives — to restrain the young 
and imprudent boys from the perpetration of crime against 
the people and government that now required their submis- 
sion and allegiance. That there were a great many good 
men thus engaged, is a notorious fact, and yet because they 
were found like poor Tray, in the fable— in bad company — 
they were incarcerated in prisons and penitentiaries, to make 
odious what was then considered treason by the ruling pow- 
ers of the country. "The greater the man, the greater the 
precedent," was the motto of the party in power, and it was 
of no consequence whether there was crime committed by 
any one, so that proof could be made that he was a member 
of the secret order. The whole South almost was put under 
martial law, and became a sort of military pandemonium, 
while the negro race were encouraged and emboldened, and 
often times through the insinuations of wicked white men 
(who were acting as traitors to their race) became informants 
falsely against their late masters and other white friends, 
who were really much better friends to them than were their 
new allies f but the stupid darkey could not see it so, and 
was led against his own best interests, and is to this day 
governed by the same wicked impulses infused into his na- 
ture by the Carpet-baggers of the North — so that when he 
goes to the polls to exercise the right of suffrage, he is gene- 
rally found in direct opposition to the interests of the white 
people. Were it not for the interference of unprincipled 
white political demagogues, who desire to avail themselves 
of the suffrages of the colored race, to elevate themselves to 
office, there might be some hopes entertained that eventually 
the two races might to a great extent coalesce in sentiment, 
and act more in harmony on the great questions that from 
time to time agitate the country, but it is highly probable 
that this state of things will not soon cease; and as the 
Anglo-Saxon race is expected to contend for the supremacy, 
we may in the near future live to see the color line more 
closely and generally drawn between the races, when the 



198 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

sons of Ham will not be likely to make a successful show- 
ing. What is in store for us we know not,, and we can here 
only invoke the interposition of that Providence that rules- 
all things after the counsel of His own will, to avert the dire 
calamities which sometimes now appear imminent, and save 
us from prospective evils and troubles that no one now liv- 
ing can fully realize or contemplate. 

Deaths. — -We copy the report of the committee on Obit- 
uaries, as mention is made of several of our christian friends 
whose memory we would perpetuate ; 

Your committee report the death of Bro. Abram C.Irvine, many 
years a deacon of Zion and Double Springs churches. He di^d in 
the fellowship of Zion church, in the 63d year of his age, in the hope 
of a blessed immortality beyond the grave. 

John Pinckney Logan, aged 25 years, fell on the 6th of February 
last (1865,) mortally wounded at Hatcher's Run, near Petersburg, 
Va., while making a charge on the enemy's works. He joined the 
church at Zoar in early life. 

B. A. Jenkins, a member of Big Spring, died in prison at Point 
Lookout, in June last, aged 30 years. 

Sister Judith Blanton was a member of Zion church, a pious 
mother in Israel, died within the past year T lamented by a large 
circle of friends and relatives. Aged - — years. 

Bister Elvira Lovelace, a young lady of 16 years, died within the 
last year. She was a consistent and pious member of Sandy Run 
church. 

Many others have died during the past year, whose names have 
not been reported, all of whom, with those mentioned, we hope to 
see and recognize in the shining courts of Heaven. 

J. H. Yarboro, Chairman. 
DAVID J. LOOAN. 

A few extracts will briefly show his standing in the 
community where he lived. The Yorkville Enquirer says : 

'David J. Logan was about 27 years of age, and was born in 
Cleveland county, N. C, but married in this District, and was doing 
business here as a merchant, when he voluntarily gave it up, with 
home and all its fond endearments, to battle for his country. At 
the formation of the 17th Regiment he was elected 2nd Lieutenant 
of Company F, but at the time of his death was in command (Capt. 
Avery acting as Major). In one of the severe battles of Virginia, 
Lieut. Logan was shot through the breast, but his ardent patriotism 
kept him home no longer than was actually necessary — since then 
he never missed sharing with his men all their dangers, cheering 
them with kind words and deeds, and dying at last in their arms. 
Lieut. Logan was calculated to adorn the walks of private life from 
an amiable disposition almost effeminate ; all his actions were mark- 
ed by probity and honor, and if ever he had an enemy, such could 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 199 

not have been worthy to be called a friend. This is no fulsome 
•eulogy of ours —our gifted correspondent is dead and gone— we miss 
.him from our columns when away, and the genial smile that. an- 
nounced his short sojourn when among us; but there are other cir- 
cles where his loss will be sincerely felt, whose privacy it is not our 
privilege or disposition to invade — South Carolina adds another link 
to the chain which binds her to the noble dead." 

U A Friend" has left the following testimony of him : 

"David was not only a Confederate soldier, but had in early life 
enlisted as a soldier of the cross, having been baptized into the fel- 
lowship of the Baptist church at Zoar, Cleveland county, N. C, in 
the year 1851. He was of course like other frail, imperfect, mortal 
men, not without sin ; but few indeed walked more circumspectly 
and worthily of the vocation wherewith he was called. He was 
■ever conscientious and true to the principles of his profession. His 
last letters breathe the spirit of the humble christian devoutly inter- 
ceding with his Heavenly Master for protection from the missiles of 
the enemy, and the termination of the cruel war." 

Col. F. W. McMaster, in whose Regiment Lieut. Logan 
served, in a letter to the bereaved wife writes as follows : 

Trenchbs, Petersburg, Va„ June 28th, 1884. 

Dear Madam : — Before this time you have heard of the great 
■calamity which has befallen you and your household, in the death 
of your noble husband, Lieut. Logan, who fell the 18th instant, from 
a ball in the forehead, just as he was about to give a command to his 
company to fire on the enemy. 

I know all human sympathy is cold where alone the comfort 
must come from the Fountain of all blessin £. Q >q alone can pour 
the balm into your wounded heart and sustain you and your little 
ones under this bereavement, which now seems to you to render the 
world void ami desolate. Bat fully appreciating: the many beautiful 
traits which adorned the character of your husband, and rendered 
him an object of admiration amongst his friends and acquaintances, 
and feeling for him more than the ordinary attachment which binds 
comrades-in-arms, I cannot refrain from expressing to you my sor- 
row at his death, and my sincere condolence with you in the afflic- 
tion which now oppresses you. 

Many noble men have fallen in this struggle for freedom, and 
tears of sympathy flow in a continuous stream for the brave who 
perish ; but while individual losses and individual distresses are 
great, your misfortune should and does excite more grief than that 
of his kindred, for I look upon it as a public calamity when such a 
man is cut off; society loses an ornament and the commonwealth 
should grieve over the grave of a useful man who seemed created for 
a high sphere of good to his country. In the death of Lieut. Logan, 
not only yourself and friends suffer, but York District and the State 
of South Carolina have lost one of its most promising young men, 
who possessed qualities of head and heart which undoubtedly would 
have rendered him an extremely useful and popular citizen. 



230 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The evening before he was killed I ordered him to take charge 
of a line of pickets in advance of the Regiment. He came to my 
quarters and in that bland and polite manner which never forsook 
him, stated he had not slept in two days and was nearly exhausted. 
I stated to him the duty was arduous, and all of us were jaded and 
I wanted him to take charge of the pickets, as I had faith in his 
skill and discretion. Without a murmur, but on the contrary with 
that cheerful manner for which he was conspicuous, he went off. My 
Adjutant that day remarked to me, he was the best soldier he ever 
saw — he was always so cheerful in danger and amidst privations. 
Often has his bright and cheerful countenance gladdened my heart 
when there were trials enough around us to make the stoutest heart 
sad. I soon relieved him Friday night, and the next morning had 
a short conversation with him, when he suggested getting wire to 
stretch before our line, and asked permission to detail men for the 
purpose. In a few hours afterwards it came along the line, "Lieut. 
Logan is killed." I ran to the right and found the noble fellow 
weltering in his blood. The noble and handsome Logan slain by 
the cruel foe! As I stood over his manly form and reflected on so 
much worth and youth buried, my heart bled at the sight ! The 
whole Regiment laments with you over his untimely end. It may 
be some consolation for you to know that he has left an unspotted 
name— as a patriot and soldier — and greater than either as an hum' 
ble and God-fearing christian, as a heritage to his bereaved widow 
and loved little ones at home to point them to paths of virtue and 
honor. 

To the God of all mercy— to Him who has promised He will be 
a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow, I commend 
you and your little children and his noble father in whom he took 
so much pride. May that God support you all in your sad bereave- 
ment, and bring light out of the darkness which now overhangs 
you, and comfort out of your sorrow. 

With sincere sympathy, I subscribe myself the admirer and 
friend of your departed husband. F. W. McMastek. 

To Mrs. D. J. Logan. Guthriesville, York District, S. C. 
JOHN PlJSCKNEY LOGAN. 

Similar in point of facts is the story of John Pinckney 
Logan, the younger of the two lamented brothers : 

"A braver and more cheerful soldier never died. His piety and 
trust in God seems to have been as fervent as his patriotism. His 
devotion to the cause of Christ and the cause of his coun!ry was 
alike unyielding. At a very early age he became a public follower 
of Christ. At the very opening of the war he became a soldier. H e 
fell almost at its' close, fully believing that our cause would prevail . 
The last letter he ever wrote, which was dated only a few days before 
he fell, breathes still the spirit of the patriot and christian. Speak- 
ing in this letter to the able-bodied men who kept themselves out of 
the army, and reminding them of their doom if subjugated, he says : 
' Can you submit to this?" I will say no, never! Come, then, let 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 201 

us present an unbroken front in the coming campaign ; and may 
God help us, and spread consternation in the ranks of our enemies, 
and give us that peace — lovely peace — for which we have been so 
long contending. I feel confident the victory will be ours, if we 
prove faithful. I hope the people at home will pray earnestly for 
the success of our arms. 

I hear with regret of many wicked and fraudulent practices 
going on at home. It seems as if Satan has more liberty than form- 
erly, and is going about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may 
devour. How can a people expect a merciful Providence to smile 
on us while there is so much wickedness and deception amongst the 
people at home ? Oh! that we could feel our weakness and proper 
dependence, and fly to the strong arms of a merciful God before it 
is too late, and may He spread His balmy wings over us and protect 
us and give us good will to one another, and may the shout of peace 
and independence be heard from the mountains to the seaboard." 

We subjoin the following tribute of respect to the mem- 
ory of John Pinckney Logan, from his Captain, the late 
lamented Plato Durham. The Captain says : 

"I have had opportunity of observing his character as a soldier, 
and also his moral character to a great extent, for the last two years, 
and it has never been my fortune to know one of whom I had a 
higher opinion in these respects. I have never seen a braver soldier, 
or one whom I believed to be a more devoted patriot ; and this is the 
testimony of all, both officers and men, who knew him. His early 
fall is universally lamented in the circle of his acquaintance, and ail 
feel that we lost a comrade and friend whose place cannot be sup- 
plied. He has left a record of which his comrades and friends may 
be proud, and the emulation of his example would be an honor to 
any soldier or christian patriot." 

The following prayer, taken from one of his letters, 
shows his fervent piety : 

'*May God of His infinite mercy preserve us, and protect us all 
from the shafts of the enemy ; and if we are never permitted to meet 
again on earth, but should be destined to fall by the hand of the en 
emy, or the ravages of disease, may we all meet together in the upper 
and better world where parting is no more, and where wars shall 
no more disturb our peace." 

John Pinckney Logan entered the service in the first 
commencement of the war at Fort Sumter, as a member ot 
the Jasper Light Infantry ; was several times wounded — 
twice severely — but he continued cheerful and fearless to 
the day of his death. On the morning of that memorable 
contest at Hatcher's Run, he observed to a fellow soldier : 
"I have several times been wounded, and made many hair- 
breadth escapes from the enemies' bullets, but to-day I shall 
fall at last," which proved true, and was certainly a forebo- 
ding with him as to what would follow. 

26 



202 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

THE BODY IGNORES A FORMER DEFINITION. 

The body, previous to adjournment, adopted the follow- 
ing resolution: 

Resolved, That this body ignores the definition given to the 
Temperance resolution at the session held at New Bethel, believing 
that passed at Pleasant Hill in 1859 amply sufficient. 

The 16th annual session of 1866 met at Concord church, 
Rutherford county, 'N. C. The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder Phillip K. Elam, of New Bethel church, 
from Psalms 84th ch., 11th verse : "For the Lord God is a sun 
and shield : the Lord will give grace and glory : no good 
thing will He withhold from 1 them that walk uprightly." 

The union consists of 16 churches, with a membership 
of 1673. 

The body organized by electing Elder Robert Poston, 
Moderator, and Bro. Jno. R. Logan, Clerk. 

ELDER D. PANNELL'S MEMORIAL. 

After the appointment of committees, and the transac- 
tion of the usual routine of business, Elder Dove Pannell 
presented a memorial touching matters of grievance from 
brethren composing the so-called "Constitutional King's 
Mountain Baptist Association'" which was read, and, by 
unanimous consent of the body, laid on the table ; where- 
upon, Elder James H. Yarboro introduced the following 
preamble and resolution : 

Whereas, We find a disposition exhibited by a large number 
of the brethren on both sides of the King's Mountain Association, 
to adjust the difficulties now existing between us, and whereas, the 
adjustment is highly desirable by this body ; 

Resolved, That the whole matter in dispute be referred to a com- 
mittee of nine brethren from this body to meet an equal number of 
of brethren from the other division, to adjust the difficulties 
existing between them, and in case said convention should fail 
to settle the matters in dispute, it shall have power to call in a com- 
mittee of disinterested brethren of undoubted piety and worth, from 
other bodies, and let them adjust the whole matter, and we abide 
their decision. 

After some discussion, on motion of Elder L. M. Berry, 
the foregoing resolution was amended by striking out the 
words, "nine brethren from this body to meet an equal num- 
ber of brethren from the other division of the Association," 
and inserting two delegates from each church composing both 
divisions of the Association. And being thus amended the 
resolution was adopted. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 203 

A COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE. 

On motion, the body appointed Elders G. W. Rollins, 
L. M. Berry, Jas. II. Yarboro and Phillip R. Elam a com- 
mittee to confer with the brethren present, representing the 
other division of the Association, and if practicable agree 
upon a time and place for holding the convention contem- 
plated in the resojution just adopted, which committee im- 
mediately retired, and after consultation had with the other 
party, reported : 

That by mutual consent and agreement to the proposition sub- 
mitted, a convention would be held with the church at Zoar, on 
Friday before the 4th Sabbath in October next, which report was 
concurred in by the Association. 

PUBLICATION OF MINUTES DEFERRED. 

The following resolutions were then adopted : 
Resolved, That the publication of the Minutes of this session of 
the Association be deferred until after the meeting of the Convention 
at Zoar, in order that the journal of said body may be annexed 
thereto and published, if so ordered, and that each church be request- 
ed to increase their contributions for that object. And be it further 
Resolved, That all ministers of our faith and order of whatsoever 
association be requested to attend said Convention to aid in council. 

On motion, Elder John S. Ezell was appointed and re- 
quested to attend and preach a sermon introductory to the 
proceedings of the convention, which appointment he ac- 
cepted. 

Query. — The following query from Lincolnton church 
was taken up : 

What is the true Gospel course to be pursued where a member 
has been excluded from a church for acts of gross immorality (such 
as wilful lying.) and a sister church of a corresponding association 
receives such excluded member into fellowship without laboring to 
reconcile the church from which the member was excluded, or en- 
deavoring to restore said member to the fellowship of the church 
from which he was excluded ? 

Answer. — We believe that a church transcends its proper limits 
when it receives a member excluded from another church of the 
same faith and order, without first laboring for reconciliation. And 
we advise our churches' to be very careful and cautious in such cases ; 
but when such cases do occur, we thinR all laudable means should 
be used to reconcile the two churches. And what we say of churches 
we think the same is true of corresponding associations. 

Remarks. — The reports on the various branches of asso- 
ciational work are of great interest to the reader, and the 
session was a very pleasant one. 

Elder Geo. W. Rollins, failing to prepare a Circular Let- 



2p4 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

ter, as appointed to do, the Clerk was requested to supply 
briefly the lack, which is here given : 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

To the Churches in Union : 

Dearly Beloved Brethren :— The 16th annual session of our Asso- 
ciation has this day closed in peace and harmony at Concord, and 
although some differences of views seemed to be entertained during 
the session in reference to the reconstruction of our former associa- 
tional union, and the method of carrying out the principles of Tem- 
perance amongst the churches, yet, in the sequel and moment of 
separation for our respective homes, the glowing countenances of 
the brethren while taking the parting hand, seemed to say, "let by- 
gones be by-gones ; let there be no more strife and angry contention 
amongst the household of faith." And the brotherhood manifested 
unmistakably to each other that christian charity, which envieth 
not, and doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is 
not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, but beareth, believeth, hopeth 
and endureth all things. The session was one of no ordinary amount 
of interest to the churches and religious community generally ; be- 
cause measures were initiated, discussed and perfected, having for 
their object the healing of the sad breach in our associational body 
which now unhappily exists, caused, no doubt, by extreme zeal in 
endeavoring to carry out important measures— which rupture has 
been too long neglected, and thus suffered to fester and generate 
gangreen upon our holy cause, and thereby clog the wheels of Zion 
in our midst. It is now however hoped that gracious oil has been 
poured upon the wicked elements of strife, and that peace and union 
will come forth out of confusion and discord. 

It is with feelings of gratitude that we inform you that quite a 
number of our corresponding brethren from sister associations at- 
tended with us and gave us the benefit of their counsel, besides min- 
istering in word and doctrine to anxious hearers ; and we are happy 
to say the advice given tended to the cultivation of peace and chris- 
tian harmony, for which we feel truly thankful, and indulge the 
fond hope that we shall not hereafter fail to appreciate and duly 
reciprocate such kind and benevolent acts. 

The reports from a goodly number of our churches are cheering 
indeed to the christian and philanthropist. During the past year 
it has pleased God to add unto the churches by baptism 233 precious 
souls, while the good work seems to abound, and is still progress- 
ing amongst us. To God be all the glory. 

Dearly Beloved Brethren, the places w^hich now know us will, 
in a very short time probably, know us no more forever. Let us, 
therefore, eschew vain glory and dissimulation ; let every one esteem 
his brother better than himself; let there be no angry attempt to 
arraign each other before earthly tribunals, upon mere rumor or sus- 
picion of a lack of fealty to the cause of our common Redeemer. 
Rather let our eyes be fixed upon the heavenly inheritance in reser- 
vation for the faithful at the right hand of the Father : while an 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 205 

upright walk and godly conversation shall prove a lamp to our path 
and a light to our feet while we journey on through the sorrow 
and cares of this life to the saints' eternal rest in the celestial world 
of peace and love. "Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, 
whatsoever things are honesty whatsoever things are just, whatso- 
ever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever 
things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be 
any praise, think on these things." 

Fraternally, 

Jxo. R. Logan. 

As the convention of the two win^rs of the Kind's Moun- 
tain Association was held at Zoar church soon after the ad- 
journment of the session at Concord, and a settlement made 
and agreed on by each party, we deem it advisable, to pre- 
vent misapprehensions about it, to give in. this work a full 
transcript of the journal as published in the Minutes of the 
Association in 1866, which is as follows : 

journal of the convention. 

Friday, October 26, 1866. 

Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the King's Moun- 
tain Baptist Association, at its late session at Concord church 
on the 17th day of September (ultimo^) a Convention of del- 
egates, composed of each division of the Association, this 
day convened at Zoar meeting house, Cleveland county, 
X. C, for the purpose of adjusting a matter of grievance ex- 
isting between the two bodies. 

Elder J. S. Ezell, of the Broad River Association, under 
an appointment by the regular King's Mountain body, 
preached a sermon introductory to the proceedings, from 
Matt. v. 16 : "Let your light so shine before men, that they 
may see your good works and glorify your Father which is 
in Heaven." / 

Elder J. C. Burge then led in prayer, and a recess of 30 
minutes was given for refreshments. 

The delegates again assembled in the meeting house, 
and solemn prayer was offered by Elder M. C. Barnett. 

On motion ot Elder P. R, Elam, Elder R. Poston was 
appointed President pro tempore, and Elder G. M. Webb, 
Secretary. 

The following churches were represented by delegates : 
Sandy Run — G. W. Rollins, A. A. MeSwain. 
Zion — R. Poston, D. Poston. 
Zoar— J. R. Logan, Joseph Weaver. 



236 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Double Springs — J. H. Yarboro,. D. D. Suttle. 

New Bethel— P. II. Elam, R. T. Hord. 

Pleasant Hill — J. A. Roberts, James Poston. 

Big Spring — Robert Price, J. C. Lattimore. 

Bethlehem — R. P. Logan. 

Olivet— David Fisher. 

Concord — G. M. Webb, William Harrill. 

Thessalonica — J. J. Hicks, A. Baker. 

Lincolnton — L. M. Berry , J. A. Parker. 

Bethel (Catawba) — C. Clark, J. Setzer. 

Bethel (Rutherford)— D. Pannell, W.Mc Arthur, 

Mount Sinai — John Harrill, Samuel Wylie. 

Mount Pleasant — T. D. Scruggs, D. Scruggs. 

Beaver Dam — William McSwain, John Bridges, 

Wall's Church — George Davis, Amos Harrill. 

Sandy Plains — J. Walker, Isaac Whitesides. 

High Shoals — Nehemiah Dobbins, A. M. Robison. 

Mount Paran— W. H. Carroll, Abel Earls. 

Mount Harmony — J. Earls, A. Toney. 
Bro. J. J. Hicks moved that the delegates belonging' to 
the regular division of the Association he formed into a sep- 
arate body. Bro, J. R. Logan offered an amendment, em- 
bracing the delegates of the other division, that both be 
merged into one body. 

A protracted discussion followed, in which Bros. M. C, 
Barnett, J. S. Ezell, G. M. Webb, J. H. Yarboro, Jno. R. 
Logan, A. Harrill and J. Bridges favored the amendment;, 
while Bros. L. M. Berry, J. C. Burge, R. P. Logan, G. W, 
Rollins, A. A. McSwain, J. J. Hicks and J. C. Lattimore 
favored the original motion, which was carried. 

On motion, the delegates of the regular wing repaired 
to the stand and organized, by electing Elder L. M. Berry, 
Chairman, and Elder G. M. Webb, Secretary. 

On motion, the Chairman then appointed J. H. Yar- 
boro, G. W. Rollins, P. R. Elam and J. C. Lattimore, a com- 
mittee to confer with the other division of the Association, 
and all papers and other matters in controversy were refer- 
red to them, with instructions to report on to-morrow morn- 
ing by 10 o'clock. 

On motion, the Chairman and Secretary were added to 
the committee. 

On motion of J. J. Hicks, Elder A. A. McSwain was 
appointed messenger, to confer with and bear dispatches to 
and from each wing of the convention during their sittings. 



KING>S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 207 

Solemn prayer was offered by Elder J. II. Yarboro, and 
the body adjourned to meet again at 9 o'clock a. m. to-morrow. 

While the foregoing proceedings were being had at- the 
stand, the delegates representing the "constitutional" wing 
occupied the house, and proceeded to organize by electing 
Elder D. Pannell, Ohairman, and Bro. W. II. Carroll, Sec'y. 

On motion, the following brethren were appointed to 
confer with the committee of the other division and labor for 
reconciliation: Elder W, McSwain, John Bridges, N. Dob- 
bins, A. M. Robison, Isaac Whiteside. 

On motion, the Chairman and Secretary were added to. 
the committee. The Chairman then invoked the Divine 
benediction, and the body adjourned until 9 o'clock to- 
morrow morning. 

Saturday, October 27, 1866. 

Both wings of the convention convened in the house, 
and solemn prayer was offered by Elder J. C. Bu rge. 

The roll of delegates was then called and a quorum of 
each division answered to their names. 

The delegates of the regular body were then requested 
by the Chairman to occupy the seats on the right of the pul- 
pit, and those of the "constitutional" body the seats on the 
left. Elder L. M. Berry, as Chairman of the committee of 
the regular division, made the following report, which was, 
without discussion, unanimously adopted by both wings of 
the convention, which is in words and figures as follows : 

We, the committee appointed by the wing of the con- 
vention representing the churches composing the regular 
Kind's Mountain Association, be^ leave to submit the fob 
lowing as our report : 

Whereas, The King's Mountain Association did, at its session 
held with the Pleasant Hill church in 1859, pass the following reso- 
lution : 

Resolved, That whereas our Association adopted the report of 
the committee on Temperance ; therefore we will withdraw our- 
selves from any church in our union which holds a member or mem- 
bers who buys, sells, or drinks as a common beverage any kind of 
intoxicating spirits,— which resolution was unanimously adopted, 
and the following year, at High Shoals, led to the rejection of three 
churches; whereupon lour others withdrew, and*soon thereafter 
with the rejected churches formed themselves into an association, 
known by the name of the ''Constitutional King's Mountain Associ- 
ation." And whereas, we otherwise having the utmost confidence 



20S KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 

in the piety of the churches thus renting, as well as the soundness 
of their faith ill all the distinctive doctrines of the Baptist denomi- 
nation, and being grieved that irregularities have and are still likely 
to grow out of this very unhappy affair, and that a union of the two- 
bodies upon amicable terms is desirable, we would present the fol- 
lowing resolutions as expressive of the desire upon our part to settle 
the whole difficulty, and do most sincerely hope they will prove 
satisfactory to all concerned. 

Resolved, Therefore, That while we still maintain the princi- 
ples of temperance, and are willing and determined to carry them 
out in all of our churches, yet, on mature reflection, we are convinced 
that the resolution passed at Pleasant Hill was unconstitutional, and 
its illegitimate results was the rupture of the body at High Shoals in 
1860/ and that while we deeply deplore its results, the blame rests 
on the whole body at Pleasant Hill, and that each division of the 
body is equally responsible for the results of the resolution. 

Resolved, further, That the King's Mountain Association may 
have and doubtless did err in too hastily publishing the renting 
brethren as in disorder ; -and that we believe both bodies have done 
wrong in using harsh and unchristian denunciations of each other 

Resolved, further, That we believe the minority did wrong in 
proceeding to organize an association without taking proper steps to 
settle the difficulty with the regular body ; and furthermore, that 
they did wrong in receiving Drury Scruggs among them as a minis- 
ter, upon a certificate of membership irregularly obtained, when 
they had good reasons, upon reliable information, to know that he 
had been deposed from the ministry; and furthermore, that High 
Shoals church did wrong in refusing to return his certificate of mem- 
bership when called on by the State Line church, and in granting- 
the said Scruggs a letter of dismission in full fellowship, when he 
wns about to abscond the country. 

Resolved, furthermore, That we will on both sides recall all un- 
charitable resolutions and unchristian denunciations of each other, 
and that we will next year organize the King's Mountain Associa- 
tion at Thessalonica church, under its present Moderator, and upon 
its present Constitution, subject to alteration or amendment by its 
own provisions. 

Respectfully subm itted. 

L. M. Berry, Chairman. 
An appropriate hymn was then sung and the right hand 
of fellowship given to each other, whereupon Elder L. M. 
Berry was unanimously voted permanent President of the 
Convention, and Eider G. M. Webb, permanent Secretary. 
The President then made a few appropriate remarks, 
and declared the matter of grievance between the two divis- 
ions of the Association amicably adjusted and settled ; that 
they would no longer be known as the ''regular" and "con- 
stitutional" King's Mountain Associations. The body will 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 209 

hereafter be known as the "United King's Mountain Baptist 
Association." 

The following resolution was then adopted : 
Resolved, That under a resolution of the Association calling on 
the several churches to increase their "contributions tor publishing 
the Minutes and journal of the convention, Elder P. R. Elam, J. A. 
Roberts and N. Dobbins be appointed to receive funds for that ob- 
ject from either churches or individuals ; and that the Secretary of 
this body be instructed to turn over the proceedings to Bro. Jno. R. 
Logan, Clerk of the Association, and that he revise the same and 
have them published with the Minutes of the Association. 

Voted a resolution of thanks to the brethren and friends 
of Zoar church and vicinity for kindness manifested in pre- 
paring for and entertaining the Convention during its session. 

On motion, ordered that the President sign the forego- 
ing proceedings, and that the same be attested by the Sec- 
retary. 

The President invoked the divine benediction on the 
deliberations, and the body adjourned sme die. 

L. M. BERRY, President. 
G. M. Webb, Secretary. 

Remarks. — Why Elder L. M. Berry, "on mature reflec- 
tion," became "convinced" that the resolution passed at 
Pleasant Hill in 1859, was unconstitutional, we are at a loss to 
know, as he does not cite any particular feature of that in- 
strument. We have therefore examined it critically, and we 
find only two clauses that seem to have any bearing upon 
the matter. In the old constitution (which was the one in 
force then,) article 4 reads : "This body shall have no coer- 
cive power to 'lord it over God's heritage,' or to infringe on 
any of the internal rights of the churches in union while 
they remain orderly, but shall only act as an advisory coun- 
cil in all matters respecting their internal concerns." Is this 
the clause that interdicts an associate body from withdraw- 
ing from a disorderly, liquor-loving church ? We think the 

Note. — Under an invitation given by the Association to minis- 
tering brethren generally (of our faith and order) to attend, we were 
much pleased in being able to record the names of Elders M. C. Bar- 
nett, J. S. Ezell, T. Dixon, J. C. Burge, D. Wray, and Bro. C. 
Durham, from other bodies, as being present on the occasion — some 
of whom rendered material aid in settling the difficulty. Services 
were kept up at the stand for the benefit of a larpe v eongregation 
who attended, and we hope they were much profited thereby. 

Jno. R. Logan, Asso. Clerk. 

27 



210 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

exact reverse, if that is the true view of the case. The clause 
strictly forbids the Association to meddle with the internal 
affairs of the church, for the church itself alone has jurisdic^ 
tion of that matter, but the clause of the constitution does 
not forbid the associate body, but guarantees fully its right 
to withdraw from a church it considers disorderly, and of 
that matter the association must be its own judge. Another 
clause of the Constitution (Article 11) says : The Association 
shall have power to exclude any church from this union who 
shall depart from the orthodox principles of the Gospel." 
Now if a church should become liquor-loving, and in con- 
sequence of it, disorderly — although her articles of faith 
may appear orthodox, and all right on paper — has the Asso- 
ciation no right to judge of her moral or religious status 
and act accordingly ? So far from discovering any constitu- 
tional barrier to the action of the Association in reference to 
the resolution on Temperance, adopted by the body, we find 
the authority full, and in our opinion perfectly complete. 
Why then make the concession as to the constitutionality 
of the Association ? It was enough to remind our "consti- 
tutional" brethren that they were represented when the res- 
olution passed unanimously. Why then did they not fight 
it and enter on the Minutes of the body their solemn pro- 
test ? They were completely estopped by their own negli- 
gence, and- should not have rent off in such hot haste without 
making overtures for reconciliation. 

We do not offer these strictures by reason of any un- 
pleasantness on our part. We are more than gratified that 
the breach has been healed, and entertain the hope that not- 
withstanding many gibes and jeers have been thrown out 
rather of a demoralizing nature, by each one of the divisions 
then existing as well as by other bodies, and those not of us 
at all, which were of an unchristian character and very un- 
becoming professing people, yet now that is all hushed, and 
will in a short time be forgotten, and we, rejoice greatly that 
it is so. Let us now pull solid, like a company of horses 
were formerly said to have done in Pharaoh's chariots. 

Our Association had been weathering the storms of ad- 
versity for several years. Some of the churches within our 
bounds seemed to despise the day of small things, and had 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 211 

taken shelter in bodies of apparent greater strength, and 
which wielded a greater influence and respectability. Let 
us so live and work as becomes the followers of Christ, and 
in due time we shall realize the blessings of His grace. Our 
King's Mountain churches will all return to us, if they have 
not already done so, while others will be built up a^mong us; 
and we shall eventually become so strong that the work of 
the Lord, under His own fostering care and protection, will 
flourish in our midst, the like of which no one heretofore 
has ever witnessed. 

The 17th annual session of 1867 met at Thessalonica 
church, Catawba county, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was preached by Elder James H. Yarboro, 2nd Kings v. 29. 
The union now consists of 25 churches, aud a membership 
of 2598. 

The body organized by electing Elder J. H. Yarboro, 
Moderator, and Elder G. M. Webb, Clerk. 

RE-DISTRICTING THE ASSOCIATION. 

A committee w r as appointed at this session to re-district 
the Association, who reported as follows : 

All the churches east of the Morgantou or Post road shall com- 
pose the First District. All churches west of said road and east of 
First Broad River, shall compose the Second District. All the 
churches west of said river and east of Sandy Run creek shall com- 
pose the Third District. All the churches west of said creek shall 
compose the Fourth District. D. Setzer, Chairman. 

Query. — The following query was taken up and an- 
swered as follows : 

"What is the proper course to be pursued by the churches com- 
posing the King's Mountain Association in reference to certain 
excluded members irregularly received of each division of the Asso- 
ciation, without letters of dismission ?" 

Answer. — "We advise such churches to rescind their acts in the 
reception of such members ; also we advise churches which have 
excluded members upon difference of opinion, and not for acts of 
immorality, to rescind such acts of exclusion." 

The Circular Letter of this year was prepared by Elder 
Eobert Poston, on the subject of Temperance. 

The session of this year was a very pleasant one, but 
the body transacted but very little business beyond the usual 
routine (Lutheran surroundings). 

FREE-WILL offerings FOR MISSIONS. 

Elder R. Poston introduced the following resolution, 
which was passed : 



212 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Whereas, The work of missions has been suspended for a 
time, owing to the desolated condition of the country. Therefore 
be it 

Resolved, That we advise our churches composing this Associa- 
tion to take this subject into consideration, and send up their free- 
will offerings for that purpose to the next session of this body. 

The 18th annual session of 1868 met at Mount Paran, 
York county, S. C. The introductory sermon was delivered 
by Elder G. M. Webb, Leviticus xvi. 34. The union con- 
sisted of 25 churches; membership, 2555. Baptized 200 
within the last year, and dismissed to join other churches 110. 

The body organized by the election of Elders J. H. 
Yarboro, Moderator, and G. M. Webb, Clerk. 

Under the invitation given to visiting brethren, Elders 
J. S. Ezell, E. Allison, J. J. Jones, and Bros. Wm. Walker, 
Miles T. Walker and J. H. Mills, editor of the Biblical Re- 
corder, were received. 

HUMILIATION AND PRAYER. 

After transacting the usual routine of associational busi- 
ness, the 29th day of October next was set apart in conjunc- 
tion with the Broad River and other Associations, as a day 
of humiliation, thanksgiving and prayer. 

The Circular Letter, prepared by Elder J. H. Y^arboro 
on the subject of Missions, was read and adopted. 

OBJECTS OF ASSOCIATIONAL WORK. 

Missions, Sabbath Schools and Temperance, as hereto- 
fore, was commended to the attention of the churches. 

The 19th session in 1869 was held at Doable Springs 
church, Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder Geo. W. Rollins, from John ix. 4. 
Churches in union, 25 ; membership, 2713. 

Elder George W. Rollins was elected Moderator, and 
Elder George M. Webb, Clerk. 

THE PAYMENT OF JUST DEBTS. 

After the appointment of committees on the various 
branches of associational business, the following query was 
taken up for discussion : 

"What should he d >ne with a member who has the means and 
refuses to pay his honest debts?" 

The subject matter was being pretty well ventilated, 
when a motion was made to lay the query on the table, 
which prevailed. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 213 

WAKE FOREST BENEFICIARIES. 

Prof. W, T. Walters obtained leave to address the body 
In behalf of the beneficiaries of Wake Forest College, and 
51 collection was taken up of upwards of $50.00 for educa- 
tional purposes. 

Remarks. — The subject of Ministerial Education was 
beginning to attract more attention about this time than 
formerly, as will be seen by the action taken at subsequent 
sessions of the Association. 

A Bequest. — Bro. J. J. Hicks brought to the notice of 
the body that there was a legacy willed to the Baptist denom- 
ination by A. Mull, Esq., of Catawba county, for the purpose 
of building a Baptist church within the bounds of the Asso- 
€iation, on a tract of land in the county of Catawba; where- 
upon, the body appointed J. J. Hicks, D. Setzer, J. J. Sigman 
and C. Clark a committee to attend to the matter and confer 
with a committee of the Catawba River Association ; and 
said committee are hereby instructed to transfer all the 
•claims of this Association to the Executive Board of the Bap- 
tist State Convention, for the purpose of procuring the dona- 
tion and carrying out more fully the will of the testator. 

BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION. 

On motion, Elders J. II. Yarboro, G. M. Webb, P. R. 
Elam, L. C. Ezell, A. A. McSwaiu and Bro. J. J. Hicks 
were appointed delegates to attend the next session of the 
Xorth Carolina Baptist State Convention. 

Death. — The demise of Deacon David Ham rick, of 
Boiling Springs church, is noticed as "a man of great piety 
and devotion, and of advanced age." 

The Circular Letter by Elder G. M. Webb, on the design 
of Baptism, was adopted, and the practice of writing Circu- 
lar Letters discontinued. 

The 20th annual session of 1870 was held with High 
Shoals church, Rutherford county, ~N. C. The introductory 
sermon was -preached bv Elder R. P. Lagan, from Mark iv. 
24. The union consists of 25 churches; members, 2823. 

Elders George W. Rollins was chosen Moderator; and 
Elder George MfWebb, Clerk. 

We do not find, from the Minutes of this session, that 
uny business outside of the usual course was transacted. 



214 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Missions. — The report of the committee on Missions, by 
Elder T. B. Jutice, of Green River Association, who appears 
as Chairman, is so appropriate that we give it in full : 

Your committee on Missions beg leave to report that they are 
profoundly impressed with the necessity of renewed and enlarged 
efforts in this department of christian labor. That notwithstanding 
much has been done, yet much remains to be done. We have great 
reason to rejoice that God has signally blessed the efforts of our de- 
nomination heretofore put forth in the dissemination of knowledge. 
That He has convicted and converted thousands of souls under the 
ministry of your appointees, or those appointed by your boards or 
otherwise, Our obligation to labor in this department will not cease 
until the last sheep shall be brought into the fold of Christ. The 
fields, are now white to harvest, and are found in parts of the terri- 
tory occupied by your Association as well as in other parts of the 
State in which we live — in the foreign fields now partially cultiva- 
ted, and others yet to be occupied. We believe that with a little 
general effort, the glorious Gospel of the blessed God might be preach- 
ed in all the world. Your Association has a membership of 2825, 
If each member would contribute fifteen cents it would give, in 
round numbers. $141.00 for Missions in your bounds, and a like 
amount for both State and Foreign Missions. Although the amount 
mentioned is small, yet we shall be pleased if even this is done 
during the ensuing associational year. T. B. Justice, Ch'm. 

ACTION OF THE BODY. 

After the foregoing report was adopted, the body 
appointed Bros. J. A. Roberts, E. J. Lovelace and J. C. Lat- 
timore a Missionary Board, and proceeded to raise by contri- 
butions and pledges the amount indicated in the report, and 
only lacked $24.00 of tilling the bill. 

The other reports of committees show that the session 
was an active and profitable one. 

The 21st annual session of 1871 met with the church at 
Bethel, Iredell county, N. (1 The introductory sermon was 
delivered by Elder G. M. Webb. Text : 1st Thess. v. 6. 
"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch 
and be sober." 

The church at Capernaum, (which had never joined this 
body, preferring to remain a constituent member of the 
Broad River Association until now,) and the Shelby and 
New Prospect churches (which had formerly belonged to the 
King's Mountain Association, but for reasons satisfactory to 
them had taken letters of dismission and joined the Broad 
River Association,) made application for admission into our 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 215 

union and were cordially received, — making a union of 28 
•churches, and a membership of 2892. 

The body then organized by the election of Elders Thos. 
Dixon, Moderator, and G. M. Webb, Clerk. 

CHANGE IN THE ABSTRACT OF PRINCIPLES. 

On the reading of the Abstract of Principles before the 

body, the 8th Article was changed to read as follows : 

"We believe that baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances 
of Jesus Christ, and that true believers who have been immersed 
upon a profession of faith are the only proper subjects for the Lord's 

table." 

After having adopted the foregoing change, the 12th 
article was useless, and therefore stricken out. 

Remarks. — As there is nothing much of a special nature 
to notice in the proceedings of this session, we will give only 
the report of the committee on the State of Religion, which 
appears to be a sort of summing up of associational matters, 
A few of the churches seem to have enjoyed refreshing seasons 
of revival during the past year, having received 160 members by 
baptism, For this we feel truly thankful. But many of the churches 
complain of coldness and barrenness ; others give rather meagre 
reports of their condition, making no mention of prayer meetings 
or Sabbath Schools, and from a few we have no reports either by let- 
ter or delegates. We fear, therefore, that our people are not making 
proper efforts to advance the Redeemer's kingdom on the earth, and 
we would in love exhort them to not sleep as do others, but to watch 
and be sober. Our missionary enterprises at home and abroad -the 
iSabbath school cause, and indeed all the appliances for the spread of 
the Gospel— require watchfulness. We fear there is too much neg- 
lect of many christian duties. How is it in reference to family 
prayer, deeds of charity, visiting the sick and the afflicted? Practi- 
cal religion, we fear, is at a low ebb among many of us who ought to 
present better examples to the world, to say nothing of the church. 
In looking abroad among the churches how often do we see pride, 
eovetousness, vain glory, intemperance, worldly-mindedness, wrath, 
sedition, idle gossip and frivolities unworthy of the christian name 
and profession ? Brethren, these things ought not to be. Fashion 
and folly should not be suffered to engross i?o much of our time, to 
the neglect of christian duty. We should rather endeavor to keep 
ourselves unspotted from the world. We would therefore suggest 
that every follower of Christ begin at once to examine his heart and 
•see Whether he be in the exercise of true, living faith, or whether he 
f»j guilty of the sin i already hiute 1 at, or at least some of them. Li 
we find ourselves guilty, let us ask God lor pardon. If we love God 
we should at least endeavor to keep His commandments, and walk 
in His ordinances blameless. Then may we expect to en oy religion 
Ji. ore, and to have sweeter commuoien with Him. Let us humble 



216 KING'S MOT FNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

ourselves under His mighty hand. Let us aspire to a closer walk 
with God. j. r. Logan. 

Death. — The committee on Obituaries reported the de- 
mise of Deacon Samuel Harrill, of Concord church, who had 
attained his 99th year, and had been a consistent member of 
the church for more than fifty years, and filled the office of 
deacon a large part of that time. He went clown to the grave 
much esteemed by all who knew him. 

The 22nd annual session of 1872 met at Bethlehem 
church, Cleveland count}, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder Wade Hill. Text : Mark xvi. 15. 

Mount Zion church, formerly of the Broad Kiver Asso- 
ciation, was admitted into the confederacy of churches, — 
making 29 in all, with a membership of 3250. Baptized 
within the last year, 192. 

Elders Thos. Dixon was re-elected Moderator, and Geo. 
M. Webb was re-elected Clerk. 

The church at Corinth at her request was dismissed to 
join the Catawba River Association. 

Query. — The church at Sandy Plains sent up the follow- 
ing query : 

'Can the majority of a church grant a letter of dismission iri full 
fellowship to a member, a minority voting against it?" 
Answered in the negative. 

The Circular Letter^ prepared by Elder A. A. McS\vain ? 
was adopted. Subject ; Systematic beneficence. 

Missions. — We give the report of the committee on 
Missions : 

Our .Savior's last commission to His disciples was, that they 
should v 'go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every crea- 
ture." This command is still in lull force, and constitutes every 
believer a missionary. He cannot fail to be a missionary in heart 
and practice without proving false to the Savior, whom he professes 
to love. We would call especial attention to two departments of 
labor. 

1. State Missions. — During the past year the Beard of Missions 
of our State Convention has been actively engaged in trying to sup- 
ply the destitute portions of our own State with the preaching of the 
Gospel. Since our last session more than twenty missionaries have 
been in the field in different parts of the State. Under their labors 
several hundred persons have been baptized, several churches have 
been organized, and houses of worship at important points are in 
contemplation or in process of construction. There have been two 
missionaries at work in this Association, to-wit : .Eiders Cobb and 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 217 

Webb. They have met with an encouraging degree of success. This 
has been the case wherever an effort has been put forth K very where 
there is a readiness— in some places an earnest desire— to hear us. 
We only lack the means to carry on this work more extensively. 
God seems to be calling on us to enlarge our efforts and our liberal- 
ity in this direction. 

2. Foreign Missions. — From all quarters of the foreign field cheer- 
ing intelligence reaches us. Our brethren there tell us that their 
labors are blessed now more than ever, and that new fields are con- 
stantly opening before them. By a wonderful dispensation of God 
Rome, so long the headquarters of Anti-Christ, has been thrown 
open to us, and the Baptists are now preaching the pure Gospel in 
the city where Paul suffered martyrdom. Our brethren there aie 
asking us to help them build a house of worship. Let us see to it 
that we do not neglect the calls which come to us from these quarters. 

[While the Association was engaged in considering the 
importance of sending the Gospel to the world, the body was 
thrown into great confusion by the sudden appearance and 
curses of one Newton J. Long who, in a state of intoxica 
tion, came on the church-yard with a body of United States 
Cavalry, and by their disorderly conduct created such excite- 
ment that the Association dispersed without a formal ad- 
journment. When the delegates started to their homes they 
found the roads leading from the church guarded by the sol- 
diers, and it was only after considerable delay that they were 
allowed to proceed. 

Remarks. — The foregoing entry is on the Minutes of 
that ever memorable session, and will serve not so much as 
a beacon hight to point the future Baptist posterity to the 
refined civilization of the nineteenth century, but rather as 
a dark stigma on the secular government, w T hich made the 
civil subservient to the military authority. This squad of 
military ruffians pretended they were on pursuit of some of 
the Ku Klux K!an, which they suspected might be attending 
the services. And hence the raid upon an orderly, church- 
going congregation, who supposed at least that the} 7 could 
exercise the God-given privilege of worshipping Jehovah at 
the sanctuaries prepared for that purpose, as well as under 
their own vine and fig tree at home, without being terrified 
and detained by military myrmidons. The sheriff of the 
county was present, and attempted the arrest of the leader 
of the squad, but might prevailed, as it often does, over the 
right, and they left the place disregarding the civil authori- 
ties of the State. 
28 



218 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Bro. J. R. Logan read the report on Temperance, which 
was adopted : 

The common definition of Temperance is a moderate use of 
things lawful and a total abstinence from everything unlawful, per- 
nicious, or detrimental to good health or morals. It is admitted by 
all to be a chief and permanent christian virtue. It has therefore 
been the practice of religious bodies of nearly every name and order 
to endeavor to inculcate the duty of temperance throughout the hu- 
man race, and especially among those professing godliness. But 
alas! notwithstanding the efforts put forth by the advocates of the 
great and good cause, we lament that so little has been done, or 
rather that so much yet remains to be done. We see, on the right 
hand and on the left, very many of our young men and old men too 
alike steeped in the foal sinks of intemperance, perverting the cause 
of christian progress, and that civil liberty which has hitherto been 
recognized as the bulwark of every benevolent institution in our once 
happy but now distracted country. It was once our boast that we 
could sit under our own vine and fig tree and worship our Maker 
according to the dictates of conscience. How changed now is our 
condition at the present day ! By the intemperate administration 
of the secular authority the great bulwarK of civil liberty is well 
nigh supplanted by military domination or despotism. The instru- 
mentalities used to carry out this vile system of iniquity are often 
of the lowest classes of society, drunken and profane, and seeming 
to glory in their shame— invading at times the sanctuary of God, 
disturbing and intimidating, by deadly weapons, whole assemblies 
convened for the worship of tfoe Most High. Over this species of 
intemperance we can exercise no jurisdiction or control. We can 
only enter our most solemn protest against it, invoking the attention 
of those who have the rule over us, and ask a guarantee of protec- 
tion in our civil and religious rights. 

But we cull on the churches that we represent to arouse from 
their slumbers and try to do their whole duty. Resolutions and 
association al reports will avail very little unless backed up by acts 
conformable thereto. Let the churches purge themselves of intem- 
perate persons, and especially of those who are guilty of drunken- 
ness. Then may we expect a better state of things— greater religious 
health and prosperity. 

Deaths. — The committee on Obituaries reported the 
demise of Sister Susanna Harrill, aged 75 years, and the 
widow and relict of our venerable brother, Deacon Samuel 
Harrill, whose death was noticed in the Minutes of the last 
session. 

The demise of Deacon Thomas Wilson, one of the orig- 
inal constituents of the Shelby church, is noticed. He was 
an upright and useful man in his generation. 

The death of Bro. Joseph Sepoch, of Mount Paran, is 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 219 

also noticed in their report. He attained to a ripe age, and 
lived before the Lord in humble, faithful service to the last. 

SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE. 

The following resolution was offered and adopted : 
Resolved, That the delegates be requested to present the subject 
of Missions to their respective churches, and endeavor to secure the 
adoption of some systematic plan for raising funds for said object. 
A GOOD MAN HAS CROSSED THE JORDAN. 

Elder Micajah C. Barnett, of the Broad River Associa- 
tion, having died on Thursday night before the meeting of 
this body, in the town of Shelby, within the bounds of this 
Association, his death therefore was suitably noticed in the 
Minutes of the session. (See biography of Elder Barnett). 

The 23d annual session of 1873 met at Zion church, 
Cleveland county, N". C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Elder Geo. W. Rollins. Text : Jade, 3d verse. 

Antioch church, formerly of the Broad River Associa- 
tion, was admitted iuto this body, — -making a union of 29 
churches, and a membership of 3579. 

The body organized by electing Elder Geo. W. Rollins, 
Moderator, and Bro. B. Ii. Bridges, Clerk. 

After the usual appointments were made by the body, 
the following report was considered and adopted : 

Since your last session there have been in the field, in different 
parts of the State, about forty missionaries. They have been occu- 
pying important positions in towns and in the country. Their labors 
have been attended by most pleasing results. Houses of worship 
have been commenced or finished. Churches have been organized, 
and many precious souls have been converted and baptized. 

In this Association Elder G. M. Webb has been laboring at two 
points, and at one of them a gracious outpouring of the Spirit has 
been enjoyed, and more than thirty persons have been baptized. 
Surely we ought to thank God and take courage. There has been a 
lack during the year just closing of the liberality usually extended 
to this work by the churches. We would commend it to the pastors 
within our bounds, and urge that they bring it before their churches 
at least once a year, and ask for contributions to carry it on. 

Foreign Missions. — The Southern Baptists are occupy- 
ing stations in foreign lands, as follows : 

Africa and Italy. — In China there are fifteen missionaries and 
fourteen native assistants In Italy there is one missionary and six 
native evangelists. In Africa there are thirteen laborers. In all 
there are forty-nine missionaries and assistants sustained by the lib- 
erality of the Baptists of our Southern Zion. 



220 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

From all quarters of the field there come the most encouraging 
reports. In China, at all the stations, the congregations are swarm- 
ing in numbers and interest, and new stations are calling for labor- 
ers. In Italy we have been disappointed in securing a house of 
worship in the city of Rome. The funds raised are securely invested, 
and when, in the Providence of God the way may be opened, they 
will be used for the purpose designed by the contributors. Mean- 
while the preaching of the Gospel goes on and blessed fruits are 
growing out of it. The supervision of the work in that field has 
been entrusted to Elder George B. Taylor, of Virginia, a brother 
whose praise is in all the churches. 

Our missions in Africa are in a hopeful condition. There has 
been some lack of the usual growth in our missions in that benight- 
ed land, because we have had no white missionary for two years or 
more: It is contemplated to appoint a missionary at an early day. 

It is gratifying to know that the Lord is blessing the efforts of 
His people to spread the Gospel in heathen lands. 

It is, however, matter for humiliation that there seems to be so 
little of the spirit of foreign missions in this Association. Only one 
o: the churches reports any contributions for this great enterprise 
during the year now closing. Surely this ought not so to be. Let 
us awaken to our duty, and endeavor to be more diligent for the 
future. J. D. Htjfham, Chairman. 

After addresses by Elders Hill, Hufham and Webb, the 
report was adopted, and a good collection taken for the ob- 
ject of missions. 

The reports on the other branches of associational busi- 
ness, such as Sabbath Schools, Education, Temperance, etc., 
were interesting to all warm-hearted christians. 

Bethel Dismissed. — The Bethel church (Iredell) was 
dismissed to join another body. 

The 2nd Sunday in November was appointed as a fast 
day for spiritual blessings received. 

COMMITTEE TO REVISE THE CONSTITUTION. 

Resolved, That Bro. L. N. Durham, J. H, Yarboro and B. H. 
Bridges be appointed a committee to revise the Constitution, Rules 
of Order, and Abstract of Principles, and report on Friday of the 
next session of the Association. 

The 24th annual session of 1874 met at Sandy Run 
church, Cleveland county, IS". C. The introductory sermon 
was preached by Elder W. Hill. Text : Isaiah lxii. 6. The 
churches in union, 29 ; members, 3840. 

Elder George W. Rollins was elected Moderator, and 
Bro. B. H. Bridges, Clerk. 

New Hope church was admitted into the union at this 

session. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 221 

The committees on the business of the Association were 
appointed, and a motion was made to take up the proposed 
new Constitution, as reported by the committee on revision 
appointed at last session. After a good deal of discussion, a 
motion to lay the matter on the table was sustained by a 
vote of the body. 

Remarks. — In 1859 objections were urged to the old or 
iirst Constitution, and a committee appointed to revise, 
which committee, through their Chairman (L. M. Berry,) 
did report a new constitution in 1860, which was adopted 
according to the forms or requirements of the old constitu- 
tion, but contrary to the desires of many of the brethren 
who preferred the old to the one then reported. 

The body, however, was getting along very well under 
that instrument until in 1873 — some of the brethren took 
exceptions to the mere phraseology of the constitution more 
than to any particular article or feature ot it. In fact, noth- 
ing that we ever heard of appears objectionable only the 10th 
Article, which reads : 

Every church in union having a membership not exceeding 
fifty in number, shall be entitled to a representation of two dele- 
gates, and one additional delegate for every increase of fifty over 
that number. 

Our brethren desiring a change wished to incorporate 
into our organic law an article making the ordained minis- 
ters of the several churches a standing delegation ; or, ex officio 
delegates, independent of the suffrages of the churches, — a 
project that is older than the King's Mountain Association ! 
— a project that troubled the old Broad River body a good 
deal, as will be seen noticed in this work which, however, 
never could receive the sanction of a majority of the associ- 
ate body. Our Baptist fathers were so zealous for religious 
freedom and church independence that they would not tole- 
rate even their ministers to be more than equal peers with 
them in a representative point of view. They invariably 
voted clown attempts of that kind whenever presented, and 
quite a number of ministering brethren stood shoulder to 
shoulder with the laity in doing so. 

As stated, the report of the committee on the Constitu- 
tion was laid on the table, where it slept the sleep of death, 
because it would have been impossible, we presume, to have 



222 KING'S' MO ITNT AIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 
taken it from the table by a vote of two-thirds of the bod},. 
It was thought best to let "well enough alone." The pres- 
ent constitution may not be faultless, still it will be found to- 
work very well — while we think it is hardly advisable to be 
frequently tampering with the constitutions even of States.. 
much less of Associations. 

Sunday Services.— Gn the Sabbath, Elders J. IX Huf- 
ham, G. M. \Vebb and W. W. Gwin entertained the large 
congregations with excellent discourses, Elder G. M. Webb 
preaching the missionary sermon under the appointment of 
the Association last year. 

The reports on the several objects of associatiooal work, 
appear to be of much interest. We give Bro. B. H. Bridges 7 
report in full : 

Within the bounds of this Association there has been during the 
past associational year quite an increased interest in this subject. 
Houses are being built in several localities ; one has just been com- 
pleted on our lines, near the Burnt Chimneys, superintended by 
Elder J, H. Yarboro ; another on Buffalo, near Capernaum church v 
and others are being erected in other places. 

While we are glad to know this, we cannot but urge that a 
greater interest be manifested upon the part of this body. The sub- 
ject of education should anxiously concern every member, if we 
would prosper as a denomination. You, who have children to edu- 
cate, should remember that time is fast fleeting on, and it will soon 
be too late with us. Brethren, you are the educators ; it is by your 
aid, your influence, .your sympathies and your prayers that our 
schools are successful ; and if this body would unite in one general, 
effort as a body of educators we would soon bring up our denomina- 
tion to the desired point. Could we get a Baptist movement in this 
direction, the result would be the uprooting of ignorance, and the 
diffusion of general intelligence. 

There is no lack of schools within the limits of this. Association, 
if they were only patronized. The following are now in operation ; 
First, one in Shelby, that is every way worthy of your patronage, 
Elder W. W. Gwin, principal; secondly, Bridges' Academy, which 
asks a liberal share of your patronage; thirdly, Burnt Chimneys, 
which calls for her share. Brethren, these are in our midst, and 
will compare well with other portions of the State, if they were 
properly sustained by you. Let us try to create a general sentiment 
among the churches of this Association in favor of the diffusion of 
knowledge among our children. Let every one be impressed with 
the duty of sustaining their own schools, and learning for himself 
the way of life, and not depend upon those who have not our inter- 
ests at heart. 

As a denomination we cannot excuse ourselves on the grounds that 
we have no denominational schools. Wake Forest College equals any 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. i/i<:> 

in the State, and is one which thoroughly teaches and practices the 
doctrines of the Scriptures held by us as Baptists. This surely makes 
us subject to a high obligation to sustain said school in imparting 
these principles to our people. As Baptists we claim to be the cham- 
pions of civil and -religious liberty, and how ean we shun the imper- 
ative duty of patronizing and contributing in behalf of this institu- 
tion ? If we would be true to ourselves and our principles, we must 
lend our influence and our means to those teaching and practicing 
such principles. 

We wish for success in all the efforts being made to endow Wake 
Forest College, and hope that this Association will not be tardy in 
furnishing her part. We think it the proper place for a thorough 
course of instruction and Baptist training. Young ministers espe- 
cially who are called of God should receive *a course of training at 
this place, and we would urge that the churches take an interest in 
sending them there for apostolic training, Christ taught a three 
years' school before His students were allowed to enter wholly upon 
the work. Our failure, brethren, of following this example — and 
not only failure, but the opposition to and the rushing of them into 
the pulpit unprepared for the work— is the leading cause of errors 
being made by our ministers. It is an obstacle which impedes the 
progress of our denomination. We would say to the brethren who 
feel that it is their duty to exercise a public gift, to look to the east 
•and consider whether you are prepared for the work that God re- 
quires at your hands. We believe in a call to the ministry, but as to 
what constitutes this call we do not propose now to say— only that it 
is to prepare for the preaching of the Gospel. This seems to be a 
task to those of much experience, they (the older ministers) seem to 
dread the work assigned them, and would prefer some other depart* 
ment of christian duty. How is it with the inexperienced, who feels 
that he is called of God, and must enter upon the greatest work ever 
fallen to man — the preaching of the Gospel of the Son of God, 

Baptists outnumber all other denominations in the State, and 
should therefore become the leaders in education. Our children 
stiftnd in need of it, anel let every member of this Association recog- 
nize it as his duty to educate his children ; these are the obligations 
of Baptists, if we be right in our belief. Brethren, then, of the 
King\s Mountain Association, we call upon you to consider our in- 
ert sis, educationally ; give your sympathies, unite your energies, 
direct your influence, aid in supporting denominational schools, 
and make one general effort to dethrone ignorance and establish the 
reign of knowledge and truth within our borders. 

B. H. Bridges, Chairman. 
Death. — In the report on Obituaries we read : "Our 
hearts are made sad at the absence of Bro. L. R. Rollins. 
Since our last session God lias called him into the association 
of angels. He will meet with us no more on earth. This 
young minister was a model of piety, zealous in the defence 
of the Gospel, and an excellent preacher* In the bloom of 



224 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

youth, and in the midst of his preparation for a thorough 
course of literary training at Wake Forest College, God 
called him home. In morality and religious zeal no young 
man in the limits of our knowledge was his superior. In 
his death our hearts are pervaded with a moral sublimity, 
which teaches us that we should submit to the dispensations 
of a wise Providence, and may we all be as well prepared to 
cross over the Jordan that now separates us from him." 

The 25th annual session of 1875 was held at New Hope 
church, Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was preached by Eider Thos. Dixon. Text : John xiv. 6. 

Buffalo church (after an absence of a few years) return- 
ed, and was admitted into the confederacy of King's Moun- 
tain churches again. The union now consists of 30 churches, 
and a membership of 4019, — a large body. 

The body organized by electing Elder Thomas Dixon, 
Moderator, and Bro. Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

OBJECTS OF ASS0CIATI0NAL WORK. 

After looking over the Minutes of this session we find 
that all the departments of assoeiational labor was well rep- 
resented. Another good report on education was made by 
Elder J. H. Yarboro, and a collection taken in cash and 
pledges for the beneficiaries of Wake Forest College. 

Elder J. B. Richardson, Corresponding Secretary of the 
Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, was on hand, 
and the cause of missions had a good report by Elder Wade 
Hill, the Chairman of the committee. 

Services. — On the Sabbath Elder Wade Hill preached 
a missionary sermon, and a collection of over fifty dollars 
was taken up for the objects of the Board. Eiders T. B. 
Justice, of the Green River Association, and T. B. Richard- 
son, of the State Convention, preached interesting sermons. 

The session was a very pleasant one, and seemed to be 
very much enjoyed by all. 

Dismissed.— The church at Lincolnton applied for a 
letter of dismission to join the South Yadkin Association, 
which was granted. 

o 

Query. — The following query from Double Springs 
church was taken up : 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 22 5 

"Is it according to Scripture and Baptist usage to receive mem- 
bers excluded from other churches?" Answer.— "No." 

The 26th annual session of 1876 met at Sanely Plains 
church, Cleveland county, !N". C. The introductory sermon 
was preached by Elder Geo. VV. Rollins. Text : Luke xxiv. 
46, 47. The union consists of 29 churches, and a member- 
ship ot 4327. 

The body organized by electing Elder Thomas Dixon, 
Moderator, and Bro. Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

The usual committees were appointed on the different 
departments of christian labor, and good reports of progress- 
ive work within the Association. 

Queries. — The following little queries came up from 
Zoar church : 

'•Who are the eldership of a church ?" Answer. — The ministers. 
"How long ought a church to bear with a member who obtains 
a letter and keeps it in his pocket, and does not present it to another 
church f" 

Answer.— Not more than twelve months without explanation. 

Services. — On the Sabbath, Elders J. B. Richardson, 
of the State Convention, A. L. Stough, of the York Asso- 
ciation, and George M. Webb preached interesting sermons 
to the large assemblage of people with apparent good effect. 

The 27th annual session of 1877 met at Pleasant Hill 
church, Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder J. H. Yarboro, from Acts xii. 8. 

The church at Gastonia was admitted into the union, — 
making a confederacy of 30 churches, and a membership of 
4424. 

Distinguished Visitors. — Elders J. B. Eichardson, Cor- 
responding Secretary of the Baptist State Convention, C. T. 
Bailey, editor Biblical Recorder, J. A. White, of the Brier 
Creek, and J. P. Styers, of Rocky Creek Association, were 
all at this session ot the body. 

The body organized by the election of Elder George W. 
Rollins, Moderator, and Bro. Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

After the usual appointments of committees on the dif- 
ferent objects of the Association in reference to christian 
effort, were made, the discussion of reports as they began to 
be made, was in order, and the body enjoyed it very much. 

Missions. — We give Bro. G. M. Webb's report on Mis- 
sions, as follows : 

29 



226 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The first Baptist church ever planted in North Carolina was or- 
ganized in 1727, the second in 1743, and the third in 1755. The Bap- 
tists could do but little in our State till after American Independence. 
In 1781 we had but 12 churches, 47 ministers, and about 3,200 mem- 
bers. Now we number 1,442 churches. 793 ministers, and over 137,- 
(00 members. Thus the missionary efforts of our people have been 
greatly blessed within the last ninety years. 

State Missions. — For the last 70 years there has been a Mission 
Society in our State laboring to give the destitute sections the Gospel. 
At present the State Mission Board is cultivating some ten impor- 
tant points, but this is not one-tenth of what it ought to be doing. 
The lack of funds has greatly circumscribed the Board's labors. In 
the bounds of our own Association, Bro. P. R. Elam has been suc- 
cessfully laboring at Dallas and Gastonia, as is seen from his report 
to the Association. Our Association stands pledged to support Bro. 
Elam. 

Foreign Missions. — In this department of christian effort our 
labors have been greatly blessed, and hundreds of thousands of 
heathen have been brought to Christ within the last 50 years. We 
must press this work, also the work of the Home and Indian Mission 
Board of our Southern Convention, which has done a great work in 
the South during the last thirty years. G. M. Webb, Ch'm. 

Remarks. — The fore^oin^ is ^iven merely that the 
reader may gather in his mind how the brethren were en- 
gaged in regard to missionary operations ; and now we give 
another paper to show how the subject of Temperance was 
cared for by the brethren of this body. 

Temperance. — That Temperance as a practical theme addresses 
itself to the heart, conscience and intellect of every man. woman 
and child. There never has been such a scourge permitted to visit 
our race as that of intemperance, but the general statistics of in- 
temperance we do not propose to collect or discuss. We have no 
disposition to count the number of ruined men, of wretched fami- 
lies, of lost estates this prevalent vice has occasioned in our country. 
What part of our world is exempt from this awful scourge? Where 
is the scourge that can for a moment be brought into comparison 
with that of intemperance? It is one that never ceases the awful 
work of destruction. 

Where is the eye that sees not its woes? Where is the ear that 
hears not its groans? Where is the heart that does not bleed be- 
cause of the loss of some dear relative, friend or companion? We 
may indeed say with the prophet, "the land mourneth because of 
drunkenness." 

Oh ! what a cruel, horrid work is this ! When, when shall it 
stop ? Is there no end to this river of death ? Is there no remedy ? 
Is there no remedy at hand? Yes, here it is : total abstinence now ; 
total abstinence forever from all that intoxicates. And ought not a 
redeemed world bless God for this discovery ? And ought we not, 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 227 

heart to heart, shoulder to shoulder, press forward the application 
of such a remedy ? The awful work of intemperance will never 
cease until the principles of total abstinence from all intoxicating 
drinks shall everywhere prevail. Never until the name, the influ- 
ence of all be solemnly pledged to the support of the temperance 
cause. Can any one, young or old, who but glances at this subject, 
doubt for a moment into which scale he should throw the weight of 
his name and influence? Every one that wears the badge of Christ 
should see that he does not, either directly or indirectly, give his in- 
fluence to the use of intoxicating drinks. Let each one remember 
that there is a day of impartial reckoning and balancing of accounts, 
and that the Judge of all the earth will do right ; that He will mete 
out strict equity. 

Let us then use every laudable effort until the glorious work of 
reform shall be achieved — the awful work of destruction shall cease. 
This subject makes an especial appeal to the christian churches. It 
was ascertained some twenty-five years ago (and no doubt the sta- 
tistics would be greater now) that intoxicating drinks alone caused 
1,500,000 church trials, and that thirty-three American D.D.'s, and 
three of them bishops, had become perfect sots. 

Need we be surprised at this when it is a fact that the majority 
of our churches do not expressly prohibit the use of intoxicating 
drinks, and some even suffer their own members to manufacture, 
retail and use intoxicating drinks as a beverage. Let us therefore 
do all we can to suppress this monster evil until the awful work of 
destruction shall cease, until the destroying angel shall take his 
flight — earth shall burst into the beauty and freshness of Eden— and 
it shall be published through the utmost bounds of earth, and echo 
and re-echo through the wide vaults of heaven : "The kingdoms of 
this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ for- 
ever and ever. A. L. Stough, Chairman. 
king's mountain female seminary. 
Bro. R. E. Porter introduced the following resolution, 
which was adopted : 

Resolved, That we, as an Association, heartily endorse the efforts 
of the Board of Trustees of the King's Mountain Female College to 
establish such a college in our midst, and urge them to push their 
work with all their energies and power. And we invite the Green 
River and any other sister association to join us in this great enter- 
prise. 

Remarks. — The foregoing resolution very naturally 
called out a report from a committee appointed at the previ- 
ous session in 1876. At that session Elder Geo. M. Webb 
made a motion (which was sustained by the body) that there 
be a committee appointed of one from each church in the 
Association to make an effort to establish a Female College 
within the bounds of the Association, and that said commit- 
tee be instructed to hold a meeting at Shelby on the 2d 



22S KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Tuesday in December, 1876, to take the matter into consid- 
eration. The committee appointed was W. B. Stroud, A. G. 
Weathers, Jacob Hogue, B. B. Blanton, W. A. Thompson, 
J. A. Roberts, J. C. Lattimore, P. R. Elam, G. T. Bostic, 
George Hamrick, Jos. Weaver, T. D. Scruggs, Berry Ham- 
rick, J. C. Smart, M. C. Crowder, Thomas Wilkins, Peter 
Sepoch, W. J. Toney, B. H. Bridges, C. C. Durham, John 
Wray, J. L. Ledford, E. R. Welman, Hugh Borders, J. R. 
Logan, W. D. Gaston, and S. J. Weaver. 

A quorum of this committee met in the town of Shelby 
ou the day appointed and obtained such information as they 
could, and being very hopeful as to the success of the pro- 
ject, made the following report : 

That in pursuance of their appointment they met together at 
Shelby on the day set by the Association, and, organizing, unani- 
mously agreed to apply to the Legislature of the State, then in ses- 
sion, for a charter or act of incorporation designating certain persons 
to act as a Board of Trustees, to receive subscriptions and donations 
for the purpose of defraying the expense of building, and also to ob- 
tain by donation or purchase, a suitable site or lot to build on, and 
transact any other business pertaining to the said seminary they 
might deem necessary. 

Application was accordingly made, and a liberal charter granted 
by the General Assembly, and persons named therein to act as Trus- 
tees, who have since met and procured by donation from C. C. Dur- 
ham, Esq., (a liberal friend of education, in the town of Shelby,) a 
very eligible and suitable lot whereon to erect the contemplated 
seminary. It is therefore no longer a question of uncertainty as to 
the erection of the College, provided the 4,090 Baptists belonging to 
the King's Mountain Association will at once put their shoulders to 
the wheel and, with a united effort, roll up the means necessary to 
erect the superstructure. We hope they may feel inclined to do so 
at once. Every Baptist within the bounds of the Association will 
certainly have denominational pride enough to put his share of 
bricks in a building that will eventually prove to be of incalculable 
benefit to us all — not only denominationally, but in many instances 
individually. 

By all means let our daughters be educated, and untold blessings, 
mentally and religiously, will result to the future Baptist offspring, 
and all these, too, whether Baptist or Pedo-Baptist, who may lend a 
helping hand to build up a school of high grade in our midst. 

The Trustees have resolved to raise ten thousand dollars at the 
earliest practicable period for building purposes. Your committee, 
therefore, hope that every lover of literary improvement will move 
forward in solid phalanx and contribute his mite to the undertaking, 
and let the word "fail" be blotted out of their vocabularies. Let 
other objects, for a time at least, be dropped (if need be) and your 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 229 

whole strength be put forth in this one laudable and paramount 
effort. Let your watchword be, our Female Seminary must be built, 
and it certainly will be. 

Your committee, in concluding this report, ask all good christian 
men and women to join us in praying God's blessing on so honora- 
ble and praiseworthy an object. Respectfully submitted. 

J. R. Logan, Chairman. 

Remarks. — It would seem from the perusal of the fore- 
going, that the contemplated associational Female College 
was almost a fixed fact, but it was not. The brakes were 
secretly being applied to the wheels that were depended on 
to roll up the means, and consequently nothing was done 
untiJ.the next meeting of the Association. Delays are very 
truly said to be dangerous to almost any project, and it 
proved to be too true in this case. 

Bro. James Love, who had been in his day a very libe- 
ral benefactor and giver, had made a free donation of the 
land on which the town of Shelby is erected, — designating 
in the deed of conveyance he made to the county, four one- 
acre lots — one in each square of the town, for the benefit of 
the four most prevailing religious denominations, viz : Baptist, 
Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian. Besides the 
provision made for the churches he also reserved from sale 
two other lots, for a male and female academy. The lots 
were of course to be laid off" by commissioners who, however, 
never did lay off the lots of the character designated in the 
deed of conveyance ; although lots of a certain character 
were designated on the town plat as church lots remotely 
situated from the public square or grounds of the town, — so 
much so that neither of the denominations of christians ac- 
cepted of them, but obtained by purchase other more eligible 
and convenient lots, whereon is now erected the several 
church edifices of the town. The same was the case in regard 
to the lots designated for Academies. Neither were ever 
used; nor were they laid off as directed by Bro. Love. In 
all this there was a iault committed, and it would seem that 
it rests with the Town Commissioners, who laid oft the lots 
in an unsatisfactory manner. 

Now, after all this bungling work, in which the inten- 
tions of the donor is in a measure thwarted, he again, in the 
goodness of his heart, comes forward after the town is built 
up — and awhile before his death — proposes to give a four- 



230 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

acre lot of land, embracing the most beautiful and conve- 
nient site, for a Female Seminary that our eyes ever beheld. 
Was it accepted ? We shall see by the time we get through 
the examination of the Minutes of next session. 

Olivet Dismissed. — Olivet church asked for and obtain- 
ed a letter of dismission to join another body. 

The 28th annual session of 1878 met at Boiling Springs 
church, Cleveland county, !N". C. The introductory sermon 
was delivered by Elder A. C. Erwin, from Micah iv. 2. 
There are 29 churches in union, and a membership of 4522. 

The body organized with Elder Thos. Dixon, Modera- 
tor, and Bro. B. H. Bridges, Clerk. 

After the appointment of committees on the associa- 
tional work, the following very brief report was made : 

There has been no action taken during the past associational 
year in regard to the employment of missionaries, and in the ab- 
sence of the Treasurer of the Board we do not know whether any 
funds for missionary purposes have been deposited with him or not* 

J. R. Logan, Chairman. 

A proposition was then made to discontinue the Board 
of Missions and appoint an associational treasurer, which 
was carried, and Bro. B. H. Bridges was elected to fill the 
place for the ensuing year. 

Queries. ■ — The committee on Queries reported as follows; 

From WalVs church.— u Is a church under any obligations to 

restore a person to fellowship who was excluded upon difference of 

opinion, and who has been in disorder a portion of the time since? 

without giving satisfaction to the church ?" Answer. — "No." 

From Pleasant Hill church. — "Does the Word. of God. or Sacred 
Scriptures, condemn the practice of inviting penitents to present 
themselves at what is commonly called the mourners' bench or 
anxious seat? If so, where Is the passage to be found condemning 
such a course ?" Answer. — "In our judgment there is none." 

Remarks. — A while previous to the meeting of the As- 
sociation, including the month of August in each year, is 
what is now familiarly termed the season of protracted meet- 
ings. These meetings began to be introduced about the year 
1840, when camp-meetings (with Baptists) seemed to have 
perished with the using. It became an admitted fact pretty 
generally that, at camp-meetings, the evil overbalanced the 
good, and whenever that conclusion is arrived at in reference 
to protracted meetings, they too will be abandoned. We 
have no doubt but there has been a large amount of good 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 231 

done at camp-meetings, and also at protracted meetings. 
But whenever the} r become too common place, and the 
improperly-instructed young people begin to consider the 
mourners' bench as the only place where they have a right 
to expect the outpouring of God's spirit upon their hearts, 
a general rally will be there — as much because it is the fash- 
ionable mode of getting religion as because they are greatly 
impressed and under deep conviction for sin. If the query 
had been sent up from Pleasant Hill to know whether the 
Word of God, or the Sacred Scriptures (which we think is 
about the same thing, and consequently tautologous,) au- 
thorized (in common parlance) the mourners' bench as a 
church fixture or religious appliance — then the Association 
would probably have arrived- at a more definite answer, yes 
or no. 

REPORT ON EDUCATION. 

The more enlightened a people are, the more easily can the prin- 
ciples and doctrines of religion be inculcated. The mind must neces- 
sarily be prepared to comprehend a principle before it will receive it. 
Education prepares the mind to instigate and receive those princi- 
ples. Even among the heathen they must be to some extent enlight- 
ened before our missionaries are successful in implanting the Truth 
as it is in Jesus. The same holds good with us 'as a people. We 
must educate — enlighten our people — before we shall be able to hold 
up successfully before a gain-saying world the faith once delivered 
to the saints, We are happy to say that we have a good degree of 
interest manifested on this important subject within the bounds of 
this Association, but regret to say that this interest is not as gene- 
rally diffused as it should be — the masses. The farmers' sons and 
daughters— the strengtmof our land— are not fully awake to the im- 
portance the subject demands. 

Brethren, will you use your efforts in assisting to advance the 
interest of education that we, as a denomination, may be enabled to 
present the Gospel to earth's perishing millions with increased en- 
ergy and power? To this end we should labor to establish schools 
in our midst in which we can educate our rising generation. We 
are glad to say that Bro. B. H. Bridges has a flourishing school estab- 
lished at Boiling Springs church. Bro. Bridges is a very efficient 
teacher, and well worthy of your support. The writer would also 
state that he, as associate teacher in the Shelby Male and Female 
High School, asks for a liberal support at your hands. 

Brethren, second the efforts of the Trustees in their endeavor 
to establish a Baptist Female College at Shelby. It must be built, 
and why not we ? 

Brethren, do not suffer this enterprise to die on your hands. We 
would refer you to Wake Forest as our State denominational school. 



232 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

The buildings have been materially enlarged, the endowment is 
progressing, and as a denomination we should be proud of such a 
college — second to none in the State, and should be patronized by us, 

J. A. White, Chairman. 

After remarks by Bros. B. H. Bridges, J. A. White and 
D. McNeill, the report was adopted. 

king's mountain female college again. 

On motion, the above report was followed by the report 
of Trustees of the proposed Baptist Female College, read 
by J. R. Logan, as follows : 

At an informal meeting of the Trustees of the King's Mountain 
Baptist Female College, held at the present session of the Associa- 
tion, a quorum being present, the resignations of Andrew Beam and 
Thomas Wilkins were accepted, and Allen Bettis and J. L. Ledford 
recommended to the consideration of the Association as suitable 
persons to be appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned thereby. The 
Trustees, by reason of the former locating committee failing to locate 
the college site, have therefore appointed Allen Bettis, B. H. Bridges, 
J. C. Lattimore and Thomas Kendrick to discharge that duty, and 
have instructed them to meet together in Shelby on the 5th day of 
October next for said purpose, and make their written report to a 
meeting of the Trustees, to be held at Shelby on the first Monday of 
October thereafter, and should said committee disagree, they are 
authorized and requested to choose a disinterested person to act as 
umpire in giving the casting vote, and thereby secure a location. 

Bro. A. L, Stough, heretofore appointed agent for the purpose of 
soliciting funds for the college, is retained by the board and instruct- 
ed to proceed in the discharge of the duties of his agency as soon 
as the location is made and confirmed by the board of trustees. 

In consequence of there being no action taken in the matter 
during 'the past year, by reason of the failure to locate, the Board of 
Trustees, therefore, in the discharge of what they considered an im- 
portant duty, would the more earnestly urge every friend of the un- 
dertaking to use every effort to patronize and complete so desirable 
an object. J. R. Logan, 

For the Board of Trustees. 
The committee appointed by the adoption of the forego- 
ing report attended on the day appointed and located the 
Female College on the lot donated and tendered by Bro. 
J as. Love as being, in their opinion, the most suitable place 
for such a school, but by reason of an under-current bearing 
against the location in the town of Shelby, the agent was 
deterred from entering on his work to raise the necessary 
funds, and by the time the Trustees held their next meeting 
with the Association at !N"ew Prospect in 1879, to approve of 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 283 

the location, it was very plain to be seen the College project 
had proved a failure. There was no more clone under asso- 
ciational auspices in behalf of a female college for the town 
of Shelby, and the beautiful site reverts to the estate of 
Bro. Love, after the lapse of five years, without acceptance 
and occupancy. The Shelby Baptist church having made a 
more effectual move in the direction of a Female College 
(having purchased a lot and now erecting the necessary 
buildings,) will in a short time have a school in operation, 
and thus preclude all probability that the lot donated by Bro. 
Love will ever be utilized by the present Board of Trustees. 

OBJECTS OF ASSOCIATIONAL WORK. 

The reports made at this session on Missions, Temper- 
ance, Sabbath Schools and Periodicals are all very interest- 
ing, showing a working disposition. The Gospel was faith- 
fully exhibited on the Sabbath by Elders J. A. White, A. L. 
Stough, (who preached the missionary sermon) and T. Dixon, 
to a very large and attentive congregation. 

Death. — The committee on Obituaries reported the 
death of Deacon John Kendrick, of Capernaum church, as 
"a faithful servant of Jesus — earnest in every good work, 
and noted for honesty and uprightness. In his death the 
church and community have met with great loss. May we 
bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things 
well." 

The 29th annual session of 1879 was held at New 'Pros- 
pect church, Cleveland county, IS". C. The introductory 
sermon was preached by Elder Harvey Hatcher, of Virginia, 
at the request of Eider J. P. Styers. the appointee, from 
John x. 27. Pleasant Grove and State Line (new churches) 
were admitted into the union — making 31 in all, and a mem- 
bership of 4767. 

The body organized by the election of Elder A. L. 
Stough, Moderator, and Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

After the usual routine of appointing committees, &c, 
the reception of reports on the various branches of labor 
was in order, and the body removed to the stand as a more 
agreeable place to discuss the subject of missions ; after a 
pretty thorough ventilation of the question a collection of 
about §30.00 was taken for State Missions. Eider T. H. 
30 



234 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Pritchard, D.D., President of Wake Forest College and 
messenger from the Central Association, in the afternoon 
addressed the body and spectators on the subject of Agri- 
cultural Education. And it was an excellent lecture — replete 
with good ideas on farming operations. We suspect the 
Doctor is a granger. 

The reports on the different objects under the watch- 
care of the Association were all very interesting, but too 
lengthy to copy and set forth in this work. 

Elder A. A. McSwain brought to the notice of the Asso- 
ciation the demise of Elder Wade Hill, recently of the Green 
River Association, but formerly of this body. 

Remarks. — In our notice of Elder Hill, in a different 
part of this work, we will notice the matter more fully. W r e 
all knew the worth of Elder Wade Hill, and cannot do oth- 
erwise than lament his unexpected departure so soon, to his 
reward in the celestial world. (See biographical notice). 

Deaths. — The committee on Obituaries reported the 
demise of James Poston, a licensed minister of Pleasant 
Hill church, "who did a great work for the Master — will be 
much missed and long lamented. It is to be hoped that his 
pious walk and godly conversation and quiet way of work- 
ing will be an example to those who live after him." 

The demise of Bro. A. S. Elam, a proficient member 
and noble-hearted deacon, was a worker in the Master's 
vineyard for 65 years. Forty years of this time he was a 
deacon, first at Zion, then at New Bethel. He was father of 
our dear brother, Elder P. P. Elam. 

The demise also of Deacons Henderson Roberts, of 
Pleasant Hill, and W. R. Roberts, of Mount Pleasant, are 
noticed, "who were noted for their deep piety and zeal for 
the Master, have resigned their seats to others. We can only 
bow and say God's will be done." 

The 30th annual session of 1880 was held at Double 
Springs church, Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory 
sermon was preached by Elder P. R. Elam, from 1st Cor. 
xii. 31. 

Long Creek, and Dallas (a new church,) were admitted 
into the union. There are now 32 churches in the body, 
a membership of 5277. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 23o 

The body organized by the election of Elder Thomas 
Dixon, Moderator, and Bro. Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

Distinguished Visitors. — At this session Elders J. C. 
Grayson and Lewis McGurry (old ministers,) from the Green 
River; Elder H. Hatcher, corresponding editor of the Bibli- 
cal Recorder; Elder T. Harrison, a^ent foreign missions of 
the Southern Baptist Convention, and J. M. Williams, from 
Broad River, were in attendance. 

The usual appointment of committees was made, and 
brief but very appropriate reports were handed in, discussed, 
and adopted, the body having charge of Missions, Education, 
Temperance, Sabbath Schools, Periodicals, &c. Bro. T. D. 
Lattimore was elected Treasurer of the Association by accla- 
mation; and Bros. E. J. Lovelace, T. D. Lattimore, J. L. 
Ledford, B. B. Harris and J. D. Moore were appointed as 
Executive Committee of Associational missions. 

The committee on Obituaries reported the demise of 
Deacon George Herndon, of Bethlehem church, "who had 
been a faithful servant for a number of years and was beloved 
by all who knew him). Forty-six others have died during 
the year. While so many have passed over the river, we 
trust our loss has been their eternal gain. We can only bow 
aud say God's will be done. J. P. Styers, Ch'm." 

The 31st annual session of 1881 was held at Buffalo 
church, York county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
preached by Eider \v . A. kelson, of the Shelby church, 
from Numbers xiii. 30. 

Churches in uuion, 31; total membership, 5473. 

Elder Thos. Dixon was chosen Moderator, and Bro. 
Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

Reports. — The reports made by committees on the dif- 
ferent objects of the Association this year are very interest- 
ing. The body appeared to be in good working order. We 
had with us Elders J. B. Boone and W. L. Brown, repre- 
sentatives of the Biblical Recorder and Baptist Courier. Also 
Prof. H. W. Reinhardt, Principal of Thomasville Female 
Seminary, — besides quite a number of corresponding mes- 
sengers of other bodies. 

We give the report on Education by Prof. Reinhardt : 
i It needs no argument to prove that education is a mighty power 



236 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

in every department of human thought and energy. Surely none 
will deny that the subjection of the world to King Emanuel is the 
one grand ultimate aim set before the subjects of Christ's Kingdom, 
before which all other aims and ends dwindle into utter insignifi- 
cance, and to which they must all be made subservient. God de- 
mands that we shall use all the means and appliances He has placed 
within our reach to increase our power and efficiency in His service, 
and to aid in the establishment of the Kingdom of Christ in the 
world. Should we not therefore gratefully avail ourselves of the 
privileges of education for our children afforded by such schools as 
the Shelby High School, Cooper Limestone Institute, Thomasville 
Female Seminary, Judson College at Hendersonville, and Wake 
Forest College, all under Baptist auspices and deserving the liberal 
support of the Baptist brotherhood of this Association. We desire 
to add an earnest word in behalf of female education. If we would 
even occupy the commanding position in the great army of salvation 
to which our principles entitle us, we must educate our girls as w r ell 
as our boys. We especially urge the brethren to aid those young- 
men from our own midst who are seeking an education at Wake 
Forest College and the Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky., 
that they may give themselves with greatly enlarged power and use- 
fulness to the great w T ork of the Master in the proclamation of the 
Gospel. H. W. Reixhardt, Chairman. 

After remarks by Elder W. A. Nelson and others the 
report was adopted, and the sum of one hundred and three 
dollars raised by cash and pledges for the benefit of 3'oung 
brethren Beam, White and Hord, now at Wake Forest Col- 
lege, preparing for the ministry. 

The following report on Sabbath Schools by Elder A. 
A. McSwain was adopted : 

The great and glorious work of Sunday Schools is but a return 
to a spiritual work of reading and expounding the Scriptures, as was 
the custom of the Jews — a practice confirmed by the acts of our 
Saviour, and practiced by the Apostles. Many of our churches 
report flourishing Sunday Schools, which shows a return to the 
Apostolic practice. Many of our churches are meeting every Sab- 
bath fiv some kind of religious service, but as there are no repor.s 
from some, we fear there is not much doing for this glorious work 
as should be, but we hope much more is being done than is reported. 
We recommend that a more faithful effort be made upon the part of 
all in trying to make our Sunday Schools more interesting, and to 
establish .schools where there are none. We would also recommend 
the Sunday Schools to take a greater interest in the meetings of the 
Sunday School Convention of the eastern division of the Association, 
and the Sunday School Institute of *the western division— two very 
flourishing and interesting bodies holding their sessions on the 5th 
Sabbaths, commencing on Friday. A. A. McSwain, Ch'm. 

Remarks. — Elder W. A. Nelson and Prof. Reinhardt 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 237 

made very apyropriate remarks on the subject of Sabbath 
Schools, showing the great benefits resulting from the usual 
good training had there ; and contrasting the present with 
the past of many years ago, when our children, for the want 
of such nurseries, were often seduced and led into sinful and 
vicious practices. Why is there not more attention paid to 
Sabbath Schools ? 

REPORT ON FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

The Foreign Mission enterprise, though feeble and un propitious 
in its inception, has been successful in its undertakings, — that it is 
now the admiration of the world, and its success teaches not to 
"despise the day of small things." Shall we, amid these brilliant 
victories, slacken our energies and lay down our arms? No, but if 
possible let every christian philanthropist redouble his efforts, and 
then the light of eternity will fully reveal the joyous fruits of such 
efforts. 

Brethren, are our present efforts, our benefactions, our prayers, 
even in a proximate degree, commensurate with the great end to be 
accomplished, the mighty results to be realized ? Truth compels us 
to answer "No!" far from it. And why this delinquency? Why 
is it that so many of our churches and so many individual christians 
whom G<fd has blessed with abundant means, evince so little interest 
in this great work ? Is it not strange that christians should need to 
he convinced or' a duty so plain — or, if convinced already, should 
iieed any persuasion to urge them to its performance? Can they 
wilfully neglect this great and solemn duty without disgracing the 
christian name? Shall the cause of God suffer? Shall the world 
perish because christians love their money or themselves more than 
they love Christ? Let such remember who said, 'he that lovetli 
houses and lands, or his own life more than Me, is not worthy of 
Me." Did we not pledge ourselves at the altar of our christian pro- 
fession to devote ourselves to the cause of Christ? The understand- 
ing was that our time, our talents, our all was to be given to Christ, 
and shall we now make it the object of our lives to seek riches, 
honors, or pleasures of the world? Shall we serve ourselves instead 
of Him who loved us and bought us with His blood ? Millions on 
millions have already perished because pro essing christians have 
loved the things of this world more than the ^ouls of men. The 
heathen now alive must receive the Gospel or perish. We hold their 
eternal destiny in coir hands, and if we will, with the promised help 
of God, we can secure them from everlasting ruin. Brethren in the 
ministry, to you especially and for your reflection, we propound 
these inquiries, and may we not further ask, are you faithfully dis- 
charging your duty to the churchts to which you have been called 
to minister in holy things? May not much of this sin lie at your 
doors ? Do you faithfully, without the fear of man but in the fear of 
God, "reprove, rebuke, exhort with long suffering and doctrine?" 
May God enable us all, ministers and people, to clear our skirts of 



238 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

the blood of the perishing- heathen. Let us, by our fervent prayers 
and increased liberality in the future, atone for our past negligence 
and indifference. A. L. Stough, Chairman. 

The report was adopted, and the body decided to take 
up a collection on the Sabbath and make an equal division 
between Foreign and State Missions. The collection 
amounted to §50.00. 

REPORT ON STATE MISSIONS. 
It is a cause for joy that our State Mission Board is doing so- 
much to supply destitute places with the Gospel, and to aid weak 
churches in supporting their pastors. The work of this Board is en- 
larging every year. This year there are 26 missionaries at work in 
our State — a larger number than has ever been employed by this 
Board at any one time. It is very important that the large territory 
now destitute of Baptist preaching in our own associational bounds 
be supplied. Nothing is being done in this direction except by the 
State Board. A member of our own Association is under the em- 
ploy of the State Board, doing all he can to meet the demands of the 
case, but where so much destitution exists, one missionary is by no 
means adequate to the work. Your committee earnestly recommend 
increased contributions for our State work. Let all the churches 
send up means as God prospers them, and let us take deeper interest 
in this most important work. W. A. Nelson, Ch'm. 

The foregoing, after appropriate remarks from some of 
the brethren, was adopted. 

HOME AND INDIAN MISSIONS. 

The committee reported as follows: 

Missions, oh ! what a grand w r ork ! We are indebted to all who 
have not the Gospel ; hence an obligation to cultivate our own terri- 
tory There is a large destitution within the bounds of our own 
Association to which your attention was called at the last session of 
our body. Much interest has been taken in this work, but for want 
of action on the part of the Board, but little has been done. We still 
claim that this body should cultivate this field. 

The poor Indian has been driven westwardly from his native 
home, and we have grown rich from his soil. Therefore we are 
doubly bound to show him sympathy by sending him the Gospel. 

P. B. Elam, Chairman. 
The foregoing report was adopted, and Elder A. L. 
Stough selected as Missionary to labor his whole time in the 
destitute fields within our own bounds for the next associa- 
tional year ; and the Association covenants to give him for 
his services six hundred dollars, which appointment he ac- 
cepted. 

RELIGIOUS LITERATURE. 

The committee reported as follows : 
If it is the duty of your committee to select and recommend 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 239 

swe'h reading as will best defend our faith and practices as a denom- 
ination we, without hesitancy, recommend the Biblical Recorder as 
ii medium best calculated to meet these demands. The religious 
press is the most powerful auxiliary in the spread of the Gospel, and 
since the reading of journals is very common among our people, we 
think our denominational organ should first find a place in every 
family. 

If we, as Baptists, would know what the brethren are doing all 
over the State and in other States, read the Recorder. If you would 
have your children trained in contributing liberally to the different 
objects of benevolence, read the Recorder. And if you would have 
the contributions of the different churches increased read and cir- 
culate the Recorder. Controverted points of doctrine are discussed 
.as much perhaps in the Recorder as from the pulpit, and hence how 
important that we, as Baptists, whose duty it is to contend earnestly 
for the faith once delivered unto the saints, should have the great 
Defender of Truth in our midst. Your committee believing that in 
no other way can knowledge, piety and usefulness be increased for 
so little money, urge the hearty support of the Biblical Recorder by 
this Association, and each church to strive to increase its circulation 
during the next year. Your committee recommends, that each 
church appoint one of her members to look after her interests in this 
respect, and endeavor to place the Recorder in every family through- 
out the bounds of the Association. 

The Kind Words is the paper for Sunday Schools, and if you 
would be acquainted 'with our missionaries in the field, read the 
Foreign Mission Journal. B. H. Bridges, Ch'm. 

After appropriate remarks by Elders J. B. Boone (and 
W. L. Brown, who represented the Baptist Courier, and ex- 
pressed the hope that, although it was of another State, yet 
it would be properly appreciated,) the report was adopted. 

Kemarks. — Religious literature is certainly too much 
neglected by Baptists generally within the bounds of the 
writer's knowledge. We have known some good brethren 
living in affluence and surrounded by everything apparently 
necessary, in a temporal point of view, to make life comfort- 
able ; but at the same time while stopping with one of the 
brethren of that description, and becoming somewhat hun- 
gry (as we frequently do) for mental food, we found access to 
his library (?) to make a selection of something to suit our 
taste, when, to our astonishment and chagrin, we could find 
nothing more than the fragments of a cheap copy of the 
Scriptures, a few school books, and probably a half dozen 
Patent office reports ! ^ot a newspaper, religious or secular, 
or anything else of a readable nature excepting that blessed 



240 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

old mutilated volume of the Scriptures, could we find to» 
gratify our cravings for literary food, Right sure, it might 
be expected, our stay with that brother would be made as 
brief as possible. There is in our opinion no investment 
that pays better dividends or interest than a sum of money 
judiciously used in the procurement of such books and papers- 
as tend to the culture and enlightenment of the mind. The 
world is a lars;e book to those who have never traveled 
much, or read anything beyond the mere title page. It is 
the opinion of some scientists and divines that a great part 
of our engagements or employment in the Heavenly world, 
after death, will be the study and completion of the higher 
branches of literature, of which in this life we obtain no" 
greater knowledge than a mere smattering. The most highly 
cultivated and profound of mankind, after having obtained 
diplomas as the graduates of the highest schools of the 
known world, just begin to see the immensity of the yet un- 
explored fields of science and literature. No marvel, there- 
fore, that such should be the conceptions or ideas of many. 

What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says: 
"There is one glory of L he sun, and another glory of the 
moon, and another glory of the stars ; for one star differeth 
with another star in glory." Is the learned and profound 
Sir Isaac Newton to take only an even start in the Heavenly 
world with that good brother of the mutilated Bible and 
Patent office Reports, in surveying and noting the great 
mysteries there ? And will the progress of each be the same 
in eternity, regardless of culture in this world? If so, then 
is literature almost worthless, for life is only a span. We 
c mfess our inability to answer the questions we have pro- 
p )unded. We however prefer to know all we can in this 
present world, and not depend on intuition or uncertain 
knowledge being given us by instinct after death. 

We are glad to see the great change that has taken place 
within the last half century. It is true, the facilities for ob- 
taining knowledge are much greater than then, but that is 
attributable to the march of literature and cultivated intel- 
lect. Where there is no education there is no improvement. 
Witness the almost extinct aborigines of this country. They 
never did in their savage state make any improvements 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 233 

the location, it was very plain to be seen the College project 
had proved a failure. There was no more dotie under asso- 
ciational auspices in behalf of a female college for the town 
of Shelby, and the beautiful site reverts to the estate of 
Bro. Love, after the lapse of five years, without acceptance 
and occupancy. The Shelby Baptist church having made a 
more effectual move in the direction of a Female College 
(having purchased a lot and now erecting the necessary 
buildings,) will in a short time have a school in operation, 
and thus preclude all probability that the lot donated by Bro. 
Love will ever be utilized by the present Board of Trustees. 

OBJECTS OF ASSOCIATIONAL WORK. 

The reports made at this session on .Missions, Temper- 
ance, Sabbath Schools and Periodicals are all very interest- 
ing, showing a working disposition. The Gospel was faith- 
fully exhibited on the Sabbath by Elders J. A. White, A. L. 
Stough, (who preached the missionary sermon) and T. Dixon, 
to a very large and attentive congregation. 

Death. — The committee on Obituaries reported the 
death of Deacon John Kendrick, of Capernaum church, as 
"a faithful servant of Jesus — earnest in every good work, 
and noted for honesty and uprightness. In his death the 
church and community have met with great loss. May we 
bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things, 
well." 

The 29th annual session of 1879 was held at New Pros- 
pect church, Cleveland county, N. C. The introductory 
sermon was preached by Elder Harvey Hatcher, of Virginia, 
at the request of Elder J. P. Styers. the appointee, from 
John x. 27. Pleasant Grove and State Line (new churches) 
were admitted into the union — making 31 in all, and a mem- 
bership of 4767. 

The body organized by the election of Elder A. L. 
Stough, Moderator, and Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

After the usual routine of appointing committees, &c, 
the reception of reports on the various branches of labor 
was in order, and the body removed to the stand as a more 
agreeable place to discuss the subject of missions ; after a 
pretty thorough ventilation of the question a collection of 
about $30.00 was taken for State Missions. Elder T. H. 
30 



234 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

Pritchard, D.D., President of Wake Forest College and 
messenger from the Central Association, in the afternoon 
addressed the body and spectators on the subject of Agri- 
cultural Education. And it was an excellent lecture — replete 
with good ideas on farming operations. We suspect the 
Doctor is a granger. 

The reports on the different objects under the watch- 
care of the Association were all very interesting, but too 
lengthy to copy and set forth in this work. 

Elder A. A. McSwain brought to the notice of the Asso- 
ciation the demise of Elder Wade Hill, recently of the Green 
River Association, but formerly of this body. 

Remarks. — In our notice of Elder Hill, in a different 
part of this work, we will notice the matter more fully. We 
all knew the worth of Elder Wade Hill, and cannot do oth- 
erwise than lament his unexpected departure so soon, to his 
reward in the celestial world. (See biographical notice). 

Deaths. — The committee on Obituaries reported the 
demise of James Poston, a licensed minister of Pleasant 
Hill church, "who did a great work for the Master — will be 
much missed and long lamented. It is to be hoped that his 
pious walk and godly conversation and quiet way of work- 
ing will be an example to those who live after him." 

The demise of Bro. A. S. Elam, a proficient member 
and noble-hearted deacon, was a worker in the Master's 
vineyard for 65 years. Forty years of this time he was a 
deacon, first at Zion, then at !N~ew Bethel. He was father of 
our dear brother, Elder P. R. Elam. 

The demise also of Deacons Henderson Roberts, of 
Pleasant Hill, and W. R. Roberts, of Mount Pleasant, are 
noticed, "who were noted for their deep piety and zeal for 
the Master, have resigned their seats to others. We can only 
bow and say God's will be done." 

The 30th annual session of 1880 was held at Double 
Springs church, Cleveland county, K. C. The introductory 
sermon was preached by Elder P. R. Elam, from 1st Cor. 
xii. 31. 

Long Creek, and Dallas (a new church,) were admitted 
into the union. There are now 32 churches in the body, 
a membership of 5277. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 285 . 

The body organized by the election of Elder Thomas 
Dixon, Moderator, and Bro. Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

Distinguished Visitors. — At this session Elders J. C. 
Grayson and Lewis McCurry (old ministers,) from the Green 
River; Elder II. Hatcher, corresponding editor of the Bibli- 
cal Recorder; Elder T. Harrison, agent foreign missions of 
the Southern Baptist Convention, and J. M. -Williams, from 
Broad River, were in attendance. 

The usual appointment of committees was made, and 
brief but very appropriate reports were handed in, discussed, 
and adopted, the body having charge of Missions, Education, 
Temperance, Sabbath Sehools, Periodicals, &c. Bro. T. D. 
Lattimore was elected Treasurer of the Association by accla- 
mation ; and Bros. E. J. Lovelace, T. D. Lattimore, J. L. 
Ledford, B. B. Harris and J. D. Moore were appointed as 
Executive Committee of Associational missions. 

The committee on Obituaries reported the demise of 
Deacon George Herndon, of Bethlehem church, "who had 
been a faithful servant for a number of years and was beloved 
by all who k new him). Forty-six others have died during 
the year. While so many have passed over the river, we 
trust our loss has been their eternal gain. We can only bow 
and say God's will be done. J. P. Stye as, Ch'm." 

The 31st annual session of 1881 was held at Buffalo 
church, York county, S. C. The introductory sermon was 
[•reached by Elder W. A. kelson, of the Shelby church, 
from Numbers xiii. 30. 

Churches in union, 31; total membership, 5473. 

Elder Thos. Dixon was chosen Moderator, and Bro. 
Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

Reports. — The reports made by committees on the dif- 
ferent objects of the Association this year are very interest- 
ing. The body appeared to be in good working order. We 
had with us Elders J. B. Boone and W. L. Brown, repre- 
sentatives of the Biblical Recorder and Baptist Courier. Also 
Prof. H. W. Reinhardt, Principal of Thomasville Eemale 
Seminary, — besides quite a number of corresponding mes- 
sengers of other bodies. 

We give the report on Education by Prof. Reinhardt : 
It needs no argument to prove that education is a mighty power 



236 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

in every department of human thought and energy. Surely none 
will deny that the subjection of the world to King Emanuel is the 
one grand ultimate aim set before the subjects of Christ's Kingdom, 
before which all other aims and ends dwindle into utter insignifi- 
cance, and to which they must all be made subservient. God de- 
mands that we shall use all the means and appliances He has placed 
within our reach to increase our power and efficiency in His service, 
and to aid in the establishment of the Kingdom of Christ in the 
world. Should we not therefore gratefully avail ourselves of the 
privileges of education for our children afforded by such schools as 
the Shelby High School, Cooper Limestone Institute, Thomasville 
Female Seminary, Judson College at Hendersonville, and Wake 
Forest College, all under Baptist auspices and deserving the liberal 
support of the Baptist brotherhood of this Association. We desire 
to add an earnest word in behalf of female education. If we would 
even occupy the commanding position in the great army of salvation 
to which our principles entitle us, we must educate our girls as well 
as our boys. We especially urge the brethren to aid those young 
men from our own midst who are seeking an education at Wake 
Forest College and the Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky., 
that they may give themselves with greatly enlarged power and use- 
fulness to the great work of the Master in the proclamation of the 
Gospel. H. W. Reinhardt, Chairman. 

After remarks by Elder W. A. Nelson and others the 
report was adopted, and the sum of one hundred and three 
dollars raised by cash and pledges for the benefit of young 
brethren Beam, White and Hord, now at Wake Forest Col- 
lege, preparing for the ministry. 

The following report on Sabbath Schools by Elder A. 
A. McSwain was adopted : 

The great and glorious work of Sunday Schools is but a return 
to a spiritual work of reading and expounding the Scriptures, as was 
the custom of the Jews — a practice confirmed by the acts of our 
Saviour, and practiced by the Apostles. Many of our churches 
report flourishing Sunday Schools, which shows a return to the 
Apostolic practice. Many of our churches are meeting every Sab- 
bath for some kind of religious service, but as there are no repor s 
from some, we fear there is not much doing for this glorious work 
as should be, but we hope much more is being dene than is reported. 
We recommend that a more faithful effort be made upon the part of 
all in trying to make our Sunday Schools more interesting, and to 
establish schools where there are none. We would also recommend 
the Sunday Schools to take a greater interest in the meetings of the 
Sunday School Convention of the eastern division of the Association, 
and the Sunday School Institute of the western division— two very 
flourishing and interesting bodies holding their sessions on the 5th 
Sabbaths, commencing on Friday. A. A. McSwain, Ch'm. 

Remarks. — Elder W. A. kelson and Prof. Reinhardt 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 237 

made very appropriate remarks on the subject of Sabbath 
Schools, showing the great benefits resulting from the usual 
good training had there ; and contrasting the present with 
the past of many years ago, when our children, for the want 
of such nurseries, were often seduced and led into sinful and 
vicious practices. Why is there not more attention paid to 
Sabbath Schools ? 

' REPORT ON FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

The Foreign Mission enterprise, though feeble and un propitious 
in its inception,, has been successful in its undertakings, — that it is 
now the admiration of the world, and its success teaches not to 
"despise the day of small things." Shall we, amid these brilliant 
victories, slacken our energies and lay down our arms? No, but if 
possible let every christian philanthropist redouble his efforts, and 
then the light of eternity will fully reveal the joyous fruits of such 
efforts. 

Brethren, are our present efforts, our benefactions, our prayers, 
even in a proximate degree, commensurate with the great end to be 
accomplished, the mighty results to be realized ? Truth compels us 
to answer "No!" far from it. And why this delinquency? Why 
is it that so many of our churches and so many individual christians 
Whom God has blessed with abundant means, evince so little interest 
in this great work ? Is it not strange that christians should need to 
be convinced of a duty so plain — or, if convinced already, should 
need any persuasion to urge them to its performance? Can they 
wilfully neglect this great and solemn duty without disgracing the 
christian name? Shall the cause of God suffer? Shall the world 
perish because christians love their money or themselves more than 
they love Christ? Let such remember who said, 'he that loveth 
houses and lands, or his own life more than Me, is not worthy of 
Me." Did we not pledge ourselves at the altar of our christian pro- 
fession to devote ourselves to the cause of Christ? The understand- 
ing was that our time, our talents, our all was to be given to Christ, 
and shall we now make it the object of our lives to seek riches, 
honors, or pleasures of the world ? Shall we serve ourselves instead 
of Him who loved us and bought us with His blood ? Millions on 
millions have already perished becausj professing christians have 
loved the things of this world more than the souls of men. The 
heathen now alive must receive the Gospel or perish. We hold their 
eternal destiny in our hands, and if we will, with the promised help 
of God, we can secure them from everlasting ruin. Brethren in the 
ministry, to you especially and for your reflection, we propound 
these inquiries, and may we not further ask, are you faithfally dis- 
charging your duty to the churches to which you have been called 
to minister in holy things? May not much of this sin lie at your 
doors ? Do you faithfully, without the fear of man but in the fear of 
God, "reprove, rebuke, exhort with long suffering and doctrine?" 
May God enable us all, ministers and people, to clear our skirts of 



1238 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

the blood of the perishing heathen. Let us, by our fervent prayers'- 
and increased liberality in the future, atone for our past negligence 
and indifference. A. L. Stough, Chairman. 

The report was adopted, and the body decided to take 
up a collection on the Sabbath and make an equal division 
between Foreign and State Missions. The collection 
amounted to §50.00. 

REPORT ON STATE MISSIONS. 
It is a cause for joy that our State Mission Board is doing so- 
much to supply destitute places with the Gospel, and to aid weak 
churches in supporting their pastors. Tlie work of this Board is en- 
larging every year. This year there are 26 missionaries at work in 
our State — a larger number than has ever been employed by this 
Board at any one time. It is very important that the large territory 
now destitute of Baptist preaching in our own associational bounds 
be supplied. Nothing is being done in this direction except by the 
State Board. A member of our own Association is under the em- 
ploy of the State Board, doing all he can to meet the demands of the 
ease, but where so much destitution exists, one missionary is by no 
means adequate to the work. Your committee earnestly recommend 
increased contributions for our State work. Let all the churches 
send up means as God prospers them, and let us take deeper interest 
in this most important work. W. A. Nelson, Ch'm. 

The foregoing, after appropriate remarks from some of 
the brethren, was adopted. 

HOME AND INDIAN MISSIONS. 

The committee reported as follows : 

Missions, oh ! what a grand work ! We are indebted to all who 
have not the Gospel ; hence an obligation to cultivate our own terri- 
tory There is a large destitution within the bounds of our own 
Association to which your attention was called at the last session of 
our body. Much interest has been taken in this work, but for want 
of action on the part of the Board, but little has been done. We still 
claim that this body should cultivate this field. 

The poor Indian has been driven westwardly from his native 
home, and we have grown rich from his soil. Therefore we are 
doubly bound to show him sympathy by sending him the Gospel. 

P. R. Ejlam, Chairman. 
The foregoing report was adopted, and Elder A. L. 
Stough selected as Missionary to labor his whole time in the 
destitute fields within our own bounds for the next associa- 
tional year ; and the Association covenants to give him for 
his services six hundred dollars, which appointment he ac- 
cepted. 

RELIGIOUS LITERATURE. 

The committee reported as follows : 
If it is the duty of your corn nittee to select and recommend 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 23S> 

such reading as will best defend our faith and practices as a denom- 
ination we, without hesitancy, recommend the Biblical Recorder as 
a medium best calculated to meet these demands. The religious 
press is the most powerful auxiliary in the spread of the Gospel, and 
since the reading of journals is very common among our people, we 
think our denominational organ should first find a place in every 
family. 

If we, as Baptists, would know what the brethren are doing all 
•over the State and in other States, read the Recorder. If you would 
have your children trained in contributing liberally to the different 
objects of benevolence, read the Recorder. And if you would have 
the contributions of the different churches increased read and cir- 
culate the Recorder. Controverted points of doctrine are discussed 
as much perhaps in the Recorder as from the pulpit, and hence how 
important that we, as Baptists, whose duty it is to contend earnestly 
for the faith once delivered unto the saints, should have the great 
Defender of Truth in our midst. Your committee believing that in 
no other way can knowledge, piety and usefulness be increased for 
so little money, urge the hearty support of the Biblical Recorder by 
this Association, and each church to strive to increase its circulation 
during the next year. Your committee recommends that each 
church appoint one of her members to look after her interests in this 
respect, and endeavor to place the Recorder in every family through- 
out the bounds of the Association. 

The Kind Words is the paper for Sunday Schools, and if you 
would be acquainted with our missionaries in the field, read the 
Foreign Mission Journal. B. H. Bridges, Ch'm. 

After appropriate remarks by Elders J. B. Boone (and 
W. L. Brown, who represented the Baptist Courier, and ex- 
pressed the hope that, although it was of another State, yet 
it would be properly appreciated,) the report was adopted. 

Eemarks. — Religious literature is certainly too much 
neglected by Baptists generally within the bounds of the 
writer's knowledge. We have known some good brethren 
living in affluence and surrounded by everything apparently 
necessary, in a temporal point of view, to make life comfort- 
able ; but at. the same time while stopping with one of the 
brethren of that description, and becoming somewhat hun- 
gry (as we frequently do) for mental food, we found access to 
his library (?) to make a selection of something to suit our 
taste, when, to our astonishment and chagrin, we could find 
nothing more than the fragments of a cheap copy of the 
Scriptures, a few school books, and probably a half dozen 
Patent office reports ! Not a newspaper, religious or secular, 
or anything else of a readable nature excepting that blessed 



240 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

old mutilated volume of the Scriptures, could we find to 
gratify our cravings for literary food. Right sure, it might 
be expected, our stay with that brother would "be made as 
brief as possible. There is in our opinion no investment 
that pays better dividends or interest than a sum of money 
judiciously used in the procurement of such books and papers 
as tend to the culture and enlightenment of the mind. The 
world is a large book to those who have never traveled 
much, or read anything beyond the mere title page. It is 
the opinion of some scientists and divines that a great part 
of our engagements or employment in the Heavenly world, 
after death, will be the study and completion of the higher 
branches of literature, of which in this life we obtain no 
o;reater knowledge than a mere smattering. The most highly 
cultivated and profound of mankind, after having obtained 
diplomas as the graduates of the highest schools of the 
known world, just begin to see the immensity of the yet un- 
explored fields of science and literature. No marvel, there- 
fore, that such should be the conceptions or ideas of many. 

What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says: 
"There is one glory of L he sun, and another glory of the 
moon, and another glory of the stars ; for one star differeth 
with another star in glory." Is the learned and profound 
Sir Isaac Newton to take only an even start in the Heavenly 
world with that good brother of the mutilated Bible and 
Patent office Reports, in surveying and noting the great 
mysteries there ? And will the progress of each be the same 
in eternity, regardless of culture in this world? If so, then 
is literature almost worthless, for life is only a span. We 
c snt'ess our inability to answer the questions we have pro- 
p mnded. We however prefer to know all we can in this 
present world, and not depend on intuition or uncertain 
knowle Ige being given us by instinct after death. 

We are glad to see the great change that has taken place 
within the last half century. It is true, the facilities tor ob- 
taining knowledge are much greater than then, but that is 
attributable to the march of literature and cultivated intel- 
lect. Where there is no education there is no improvement. 
Witness the' almost extinct aborigines of this country. They 
never did in their savage state make any improvements 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 241 

worthy of the name. Witness also Africa, where the native 
population are heathens, and, without culture, will ever re- 
main so. At present they are but little above the level of 
the brute creation. 

Then let every parent feel that it is an imperative duty 
he owes to his children to strew their pathway in life with 
the best of literature and plenty of it. 

Bro. T. D. Lattimore asked leave to introduce a resolu- 
tion, as follows : 

Resolved, That the ordained ministers of the King's Mountain 
Association be hereafter constituted ex officio members of this body. 
• It was adopted. 

Kemarks. — Bro. Lattimore beins: a younoc man was 
probably not aware of the troubles already had by the old 
mother body (the Broad River Association,) in regard to that 
matter, or he would have held up his resolution. For many 
years there were attempts made to fasten a rule of that kind 
upon that Association, but it was opposed by a majority of 
the brethren and finally abandoned. 

When the King's Mountain body was formed, the Con- 
stitution adopted by the body (Article 8) fixed the represent- 
ation as follows : 

Every church in the union having a membership not exceeding 
fifty in number, shall be entitled to a representation of two delegates 
in the Association ; and when their number exceeds 100 members 
and does not exceed 150, they shall be entitled to three delegates ; 
when over 150 and not exceeding 200, four delegates. 

Then in 1860 the body adopted the Constitution which 
now governs the Association. In it the matter of represent- 
ation is fixed by Article 10 : 

Every church in union having a membership not exceeding 50 
in number, shall be entitled to a representation of two delegates, 
and one additional delegate for every increase of 50 over that number. 

The constitution fixes the question of representation, 
and consequently any resolution of the body making the 
ordained ministers of the churches ex officio delegates, would 
be plainly unconstitutional and void. 

We have given our views as to the propriety of the rule 
as adopted, in another part of this work, and will therefore 
add nothing more. 

REPORT ON OBITUARIES. 
Sixty-three members of churches within our bounds have passed 
away to "that bourne from whence no traveler returns.' 7 Amongst 
31 



242 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

the number are two aged ministers of the Gospel, to-wit : Elders 
L)ove Pannell and Wm. McSwaiii. Elder Pannell was a native of 
South Carolina, but immigrated to this State (N.C.) many years ago, 
and in the year 1844 was ordained to the Gospel ministry by Elders 
James M. Webb andS, G. Hamilton. In 1851 he was a member of 
the Convention that organized the King's Mountain Association, 
and preached the introductory sermon before that body and subse- 
quently was several times chosen to preside over the deliberations of 
the Association. He died March 26th, 1881, in a triumphant faith, 
in the doctrines of the Gospel. Aged 74 years. 

Elder Wm. McSwain died in May last, about 75 years of age ; 
had been exercising in the ministry about 45 years, rendering faith- 
ful services in the cause of Christ within the bounds of the King's 
Mountain Association. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord 
from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their 
labors, and their works do follow them." 

J. R. Logan, Chairman. 

Sunday Services. — On the Sabbath, prayer and praise 
service was conducted at the stand by Prof. H. W. Reinhardt. 
Dr. W. A. Nelson, then preached one of his thrilling and 
soul-stirring sermons, followed by Elders J. B. Boon and 
prayer by Elder Geo. VV. Rollins. 

Remarks. — This was one of the most pleasant meetings 
we ever attended. The body now numbers considerably 
over 5000 strong, and it is now able to accomplish much for 
the Master. May it stand firmly united and continue ever 
to present a bold front in the cause of Christ, and to battle 
valiantly against the powers of darkness. 

The 32d annual session met at Bethel church, Ruther- 
ford county, N» C. The introductory sermon was delivered 
by Elder A. L. Stough. The union consists of 36 churches, 
5 new churches, viz: Ross' Grove, Zion Hill, Leonard's 
Fork, Shady Grove and Fair View, making a membership 
of 5676. 

The body organized by electing Bros. James Y. Ham- 
rick, Moderator, and Leonidas M. Logan, Clerk. 

After the appointment ol committees and the usual rou- 
tine work had been done, the committee on State Missions 
reported as follows : 

There is a larger number of missionaries under the general su- 
pervision of the State Mission Board than at any time during our 
past history — 38 in all — more than half of whom are paid entirely 
by the Board, the others by the different Associations. 

At the last session of the Baptist State Convention a number 
of pledges were made by individuals churches and Associations. 
Among them was one from this Association of one hundred dollars. 



KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 243 

Of this amount only So. 95 has been paid, leaving a balance of $94.0") 
yet unpaid. We are informed by Bro. John E. Ray, the Secretary 
of the Board, that the third quarter's salaries oft he missionaries are 
now due, and the Board is without funds. The work of the State 
Mission Board in supplying neglected fields, and aiding points, de- 
serves our earnest prayers and liberal contributions. Let us fully 
meet the pledge made in the Convention. 

Our missionary, Bro. A. L. Stough, has been aided by the State 
Mission Board, and it is a matter for rejoicing to us all that his 
labors have been so blessed of God, an account of which is given us 
in his report herewith. A. L. Stough, 

J. P. Styeks, 
T. D. Scruggs. 
Our missionary, A. L. Stough, made bis report in con- 
nection with the report on State Missions as follows : 

Dear Brethren : — The time has arrived when it becomes my duty 
to submit to you my report as your missionary. I have traveled 
1,880 miles, preached 207 sermons, attended 30 prayer meetings, aid- 
ed' in the constitution of 2 churches, ordination of 8 deacons and 1 
minister, visited 461 families religiously, received by letter and expe- 
rience 88, supplied 5 churches, and occasionally preached at 5 out- 
stations, attended 8 protracted meetings, and organized 3 Sabbath 
Schools It was expected that before now the church edifice at Liu- 
colnton would have been ready to be occupied. In this we are dis- 
appointed, owing chiefly to the failure of the crops last season ; C( n- 
sequently the scarcity of money, and besides I could not spare the 
time from my work to collect funds already subscribed. The wall is 
ready for the roof. We have a central location. The building when 
finished will be such, we think, as the existing and prospective 
wants of our denomination require in Lincolnton. I am pledged to 
give the next two months by way of traveling in the interest of this 
church. The brethren at Dallas have, during this year, completed 
one of the handsomest churches in the county. This house reflects 
credit upon the few members for their generous contributions. I at- 
tended a meeting of several weeks' continuance at this place ; it is 
believed nearly 40 persons made a profession of religion— among this 
number were several infidels. The church is now self-sustaining 
and has procured a pastor. The church at Gastonia is making an 
effort to build a house. We have here a beautiful location -a lot 
centrally located, the generous gift of Kev. S. Head and his good 
lady. Unfortunately there still seems to be a want of united action. 
Several prominent Baptists have moved to this place. 

The Baptist church of Shady Grove was constituted on the 25th 
of November last. The baptismal waters, have been troubled here 
several times this year. The church displayed a commendable zeal 
in building a house of worship during the very inclement weather 
or last winter. This church is now self-sustaining, and her pastor, 
Bro. J. A. Hoyle, is doing a good work here; beseems to be "the 
right man in the right place." He is azealous worker in the Lord's 
vineyard. 



244 KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 

'"The Leonard's Fork church was constituted April 25th, 1882. 
This church is making a strenuous effort to build a house of worship. 
The Lord has done a wonderful work here, but the limits of this re" 
port do not admit us to enter into details. I have preached occasion- 
ally at other points where I believe large and efficient churches could 
be organized, if we could occupy the field as we ought. I have been 
everywhere kindly received and encouraged. Oar cause is undoubt- 
edly advancing. Much of the former prejudice has been removed. 
Many who were uninformed and opposed to us are now sincere 
friends. But our w,ork is not yet finished — much, very much remains 
to be done. The great destitution which exists within our bounds 
calls upon us in the most imperative manner to increase our exer- 
tions to give to the destitute the preached word. 

The calls that have been made upon me are more than twe mis" 
sionaries could answer. We need for this field men of deep piety 
and sound practical sense. And now, brethren, having to the best 
of my ability performed the duty assigned me by your body, I most 
respectfully tender to you my resignation as missionary. In sever- 
ing the ties that have existed between us, let me assure you that it is 
done with the kindest of feelings and best wishes for your success. 
And my sincere thanks are tendered to all the friends of this enter" 
prise for their encouragement and kindness shown to me. May the 
great Head of the church preside over all your deliberations, and 
crown your measures with abundant success is the sincere wish of 
your humble servant. A. L. Stough. 

Suitable and appropriate remarks were made by Bros. 
Dr. W. A. Nelson and N. B. £>roughton, and the report was 
adopted. 

. A good report on Religious Literature was made by 
Elder G. M. Webb, and, after suitable discussion, adopted 
by the body. 

Able reports were also made on Foreign Missions, and 
on Home and Indian Missions, and fully discussed by Elders 
Mallary, Nelson, Webb and others. 

Deaths. — The demise of Deacons Abraham Hardin, of 
Antioch church (aged 92 years,) and George Hamrick, of 
Bethel, are noticed in the obituary report; and also that of 
Elder Ransom P. Logan, who had died within the present 
associational year. 

The amount of funds for missionary purposes we believe 
was raised, and the old associational board re-elected. The 
session was a very agreeable and pleasant one, and largely 
attended by the people, who seemed to enjoy the remarks by 
Bro. Broughton on Sunday Schools ; and the missionary 
sermon by Elder R. D. Mallary on the Sabbath. 

We here close our journalistic notices. 



SUMMARY. 245 



CHAPTER V, 

SUMMARY. 



We have thus briefly noticed the working of both the 
Broad River and King's Mountain Associations from the 
time of their formation to the present year (1832). We have 
given the business items, session after session respectively ; 
and although there has not been as much done for the Mas- 
ter as might have been, yet, everything considered — the 
■darkness of the times, the disadvantageous circumstances 
under which our pioneer fathers had to labor, and the com- 
bined opposition to the powers of darkness^ we feel to say it 
might have been much worse than what it is. For many 
years after the organization of the Broad River Association, 
■a large portion of the territory of which it was then com- 
posed was an uncultivated wilderness, covered with little 
else than moral darkness, and destitute almost entirely of 
the enlightening influences of the Gospel. In the strict 
sense of the word this territory was missionary ground. In 
an area of 3000 square miles there was only sixteen Baptist 
lurches then planted, and they often thirty or forty miles 
apart from each other. Only few self-denying, God-fearing, 
uneducated ministers were to be found willing to take up 
the cross, and attend at these churches occasionally, and 
there endeavor to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ 
without pecuniary compensation, or even m my thanks. A 
tew, however, did go forth under great disadvantages and 
preach to such as had their hearts opened by the Spirit to 
attend and hear their burning words. And although the 
destitution was then extensive, the large vacuums have since 
been pretty well filled up by the Baptist denomination, to 
say nothing of the operations of other religious sects of 
christians. During the last half of the present 19th century 
churches have become numerous in the territory mentioned, 
we are unable now to say how many might be numbered in 
the original bounds of the Broad River Association. In the 



U6 SUMMARY. 

territory embraced in the present Broad River and KingV 
Mountain bodies, there are more than three-score churches,, 
while numbers of others have been organized within the 
original lines and dismissed to become constituent members 
of other associations, themselves occupying a portion of the 
original Broad River boundary, — amongst which may be 
mentioned the Catawba River, the Tyger River, the Green 
River, the York, and Spartanburg, etc., while a large and 
respectable corps of ministers corresponding with the increase 
of churches have been reared up among us — numbers of 
whom are able ministers of the New Testament, respectable 
for natural talent, who preach fluently without the polish of 
education, while not a few have received the drilling culture 
of high schools, and carry with them collegiate diplomas. 

How great is the contrast now with the period of 1800 I 
—the period of the organization of the Broad River Asso- 
ciation. It has been derisively said, even by Baptists, that 
the Broad River Association only held its annual meetings 
to hear an introductory sermon by one of its most popular 
preachers — elect a moderator and clerk, and elect a suitable 
person to write a Circular Letter on some very abstruse or 
mysterious subject, to be addressed to the several churches 
composing the body — and then to enjoy, while the session 
lasted, luxurious feasting on the rich viands and good things 
generally so bountifully prepared by the brethran and sisters 
during the associational year, expressly for the occasion. 

We well know that the "loaves and fishes" often carry 
with them an influence now, as they did during the time of 
Christ's incarnation ; but to allege that such was the chief 
inducement to hold annual meetings is not only a slur, but a 
shameful allegation, and no one, we presume, will be deter- 
red from duty thereby. While we admit a careful perusal 
of the records of the several sessions of the Broad River 
Association, for many years after its organization, might be 
productive of such an impression, jet no one not there pres- 
ent on those interesting occasions could, from his present 
standpoint, be fully able to appreciate the great amount of 
real good resulting from the ministerial labors of the unvar- 
nished men who figure 1 as embassadors for Christ at that 
day and faithfully plead His cause before a gain-saying 
world. Bv the eftbrts of such, the christian cause received 



SUMMARY, 247 

aw impetus which the powers of darkness have not since been 
able to subvert or hinder. The good work has gradually 
rolled on, crushing by its ponderous weight, every obstacle 
thrown in its way by men and devils, until now the records 
appear much brighter than when in its incipient state. The 
churches having increased in numbers and Wealth, measures 
are constantly being put on foot to disseminate the Gospel or 
good news of life and salvation to "earth's remotest bounds." 

The beginning of these measures hi the early days of 
the Associations was, of course, rather a day of small things? 
but not to be despised on that account. Every thing must 
have a beginning, and it generally requires time to make a 
proper development of any thing, be it useful or otherwise. 
We should "let patience have her perfect work." Although 
■seasons and prospects be sometimes gloomy, yet if the seed 
be planted or sown broadcast, in due time there will be a 
harvest, — it may be thirty, sixty, or a hundred-fold of in- 
crease that shall be reaped. 

In noticing the recorded items in the early Minutes of 
the Broad River Association, and also of the King's Moun- 
tain body, we discover almost nothing recommended or en- 
couraged by the brethren of that day and time that we have 
now to regret, while at the same time we see much recorded 
that meets our hearty approbation. In noticing those who 
were most conspicuous, and occupyiug a high place on the 
watch-towers of Zion, we can but regret deeply the irregu- 
larities and shameful foibles of a few, who were instrumental 
in bringing reproach and lasting shame not only on them- 
selves, but on the cause of Christ also, which they had 
espoused to cherish and defend from the malignant shafts of 
the emissaries of the wicked one ! Every man's work will 
be tried as by fire, and w T e shall be judged according to the 
deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad. 

Some of the good brethren of the Broad River Associ- 
ation were greatly opposed to the dismemberment of the 
parent body to form new ones. "Let us," said some, "stand 
united, and build up a strong body and make ourselves re- 
spectable in the eyes of the world, not only for intelligence 
but for numbers also." This was doubtless the promptings 
of ambition and pride to excel all others; a principle that 



248 StTMMARY. 

lurks about the human heart which, although in a degree 
commendable, yet savors too much of ostentation, folly and 
pride. That the divisions that have taken place in the Broad 
River Association have tended to the furtherance of the 
Gospel of Christ, no one will now pretend to deny. Proba- 
bly more than two-fold have been the efforts to propagate 
Christianity since the divisions were made, while the fruits 
resulting have been correspondingly large. The King's 
Mountain Association, which at first was but a small offshoot 
from the parent stem (having then only a membership of a 
little over a thousand souls,) has now nearly six times that 
number, while the parent body, after several depletions and 
the formation of the Spartanburg Association, together with 
dismissions to join other bodies, has still a membership of 
over 3500 souls, with a largely increased number of newly 
constituted churches, — so that instead of disbanding her or- 
ganization, as many alleged the Broad River would, she pre- 
fers to take a more judicious and commendable course — not 
only to struggle for a mere existence, but to build up all the 
waste places and cultivate all her abundant territory by 
planting new churches at every accessible and available 
point, and thereby holding out inducements for the return 
of other churches who formerly belonged to her body. We 
bid her God-speed, and say to the Broad River: be thou as 
the "stone cut out without hands;" roll on until you shall 
become a great mountain, from which shall radiate in every 
direction or point of the compass the good news of salvation, 
- — that all, froni the least to the greatest within your limits, 
may learn Messiah's name, and the knowledge of God spread 
over the whole earth, as the waters cover the face of the great 
deep. 

Having gone through the journalistic part of this work, 
We will next proceed to give brief sketches of the ministers 
who at any time belonged to either of the associate bodies, 
whose records we have endeavored to preserve. The Broad 
River being the parent body, we shall designate those belong- 
ing at any time to the same in contradistinction from the 
King's Mountain ministers, in the alphabetical list that we 
make, — from which it will appear that several of them have 
at different times belonged to each of the Associations and 
labored as co-workers together in the Lord's vineyard. May 
each in a coming day receive from the Master the plaudit, 
-Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the 
joys of thy Lord !'' And may God continue to bless and 
prosper the work of evangelization in all parts of the habi- 
table globe. Amen ! 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 249 

I 

CHAPTER VI. 

SKETCHES BIOGRAPHICAL OF THE MINISTERS OF THE BROAD RIVER 
AND KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST ASSOCIATIONS. 



Abernathy, Elder Alexander was born in Lincoln 
county, K C, March 13th, 1790. His birth place is near 
Mountain Island Shoal, on the Catawba Kiver. He remained 
at that place until he was nine or ten years of age. During 
that period of time Smith Abernathy, his father, made a pro- 
fession of religion and joined the Presbyterians at a church 
called Hopewell, of which Rev. Humphrey Hunter was pas- 
tor; and wishing to teach his children strictly in all the doc- 
trines of the church, he had Alexander, his son, when about 
six or seven years of age, "dedicated to the Lord" in baptism 
by sprinkling. Shortly after this he removed from that 
place and settled nearer to Lincolnton, on a stream known 
as Dutchman's Creek, but not being yet suited in a situation 
after remaining there a few years he again moved to the 
northwestern extremity of the county, and settled on Henry's 
River, but still not satisfied after a few 7 years' sojourn he re- 
moved from there to Rutherford county, and settled on the 
waters of Broad Kiver, where he remained several years. In 
the meanwhile Alexander, the subject of this sketch, had 
arrived to manhood and became subject to military duty. 
In the years 1812 to 1814 the war between England and the 
United States was being prosecuted, and Alexander Aber- 
nathy being then 22 years of age was subject to draft, which 
caused much uneasiness in the family circle; still he was 
not drafted, and consequently took no part in the war. 

During the second year of this unnatural struggle be- 
tween the two countries by people of kindred blood, and 
speaking the same language, it pleases God to move upon 
the minds of the people by the gentle operations of His Holy 
Spirit, to take into consideration the great wickedness that 
abounded in the country (always the outcropping of war,) a 
call was made for a more faithful and energetic exhibition of 
the Gospel among the people. Many became serious and 
repentant of their sinful ways of living, and began to call on 
the name of the Lord for succor in this gloomy and severe 
time of trial. There was no Presbyterian church in this 
locality to respond to the call of the people ; the old man, 
32 



250 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Smith Abernatb}', and several members of tbe family attach- 
ed themselves to the Methodist Episcopal church, and about 
the close of the war Alexander, the son, fell into line also. 
Preaching became plenteous among the Methodist people — a 
great number made profession of religion, and what is usu- 
ally termed a precious revival was the consequence. Alex- 
ander Abernathy became absorbed in the perusal and study 
of tbe Bible, and as he read he became more and more dis- 
tressed about his future state of existence/ The more preach- 
ing he heard, the more he became confused in his mind. 
While the minister would tell him one way of escape, God's 
word and the dictates of conscience would tell him another. 
He was entertained frequently with lectures on the Free 
Agency of Man, while he read in his Bible, .-"No man can 
come unto me except my Father who sent me draw him." 
Feeling that he had lived in sin and took pleasure in it, and 
no good thing being discoverable in himself, while in lieu of 
that, he had only to complain bitterly of a wicked, unbeliev- 
ing heart, prone to sin continually : why then, under circum- 
stances like these, should he attach himself to a church? 
He felt that he was entirely unfit for such a position. His 
spiritual advisors, however, would persuade him that he 
should join the church as a means of grace, while he enter- 
tained the notion that unbelievers were not lit subjects for 
church membership af all. On this subject his troubles in- 
creased, and although he had many comforters, yet, like an- 
cient Job's, many of them knew not what they were talking 
about — one advising one thing while another advised some- 
thing else. In this distracted condition of mind Mr. Aber- 
nathy said he almost considered himself out of the reach of 
mercy ; so many under similar instruction having made pro- 
fessions and apparently at ease about their souls' welfare, 
while he yet felt that he was u in the gall of bitterness and 
in the bonds of iniquity." His case must be beyond the 
reach of mercy. In this desperate condition he remained for 
Some time, refusing to attend the meetings of the church, 
but relying solely upon the teachings of the Bible. While 
in this despondent condition on an ever memorable day he 
retired from all company, with his Bible in hand, still inter- 
ceding for pardon, but nearly in despair and without hope; 
from some unexpected source, however, light sprang up out 
of darkness, and the merits of Christ's atonement for sinners 
was made plain to his view ; he was enabled to see that He 
had paid the ransom price of man's redemption in full, and 
that man's part of the business was to trust in Christ alone, 
making a full surrender of himself and saying, "Here, Lord, 
I give myself away, it is all that I can do." That the work 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 251 

of salvation was Ills alone; that there is no merit in our 
works, and therefore it is that we must rely entirely on the 
merits of Christ for salvation. Taking this view ot the ease 
lie was made to feel happy indeed, and rejoiced that all was 
now apparently so well with him; that Christ had pardoned 
freely all his sins, great as they certainly had hcen. But ill 
this lively state of mind and rejoicing he was troubled with 
the idea or thought of the insufficiency of his baptism ill 
infancy by sprinkling. He felt inclined to obey Christ in 
the ordinance of baptism; his brethren, however, attempted 
to dissuade him, alleging his baptism was all right, and there 
was no need of being buried under the water. This caused 
a great weight to fall upon his mind, and his condition was 
somewhat similar to that of man in his fallen state — subject 
to eternal death without a change from the power of sin and 
wickedness. Under this consideration another duty began 
to disturb his mind, — to go and warn people to iieefrom the 
wrath to come. This became a mighty weight indeed. 
What! without education, or an opportunity to obtain any 
mental culture or training, would the Lord require so frail 
and ignorant an individual to preach the Gospel ? To use 
his own language, these impressions continued to increase 
until he had but little rest day or night, still feeling unwill- 
ing to undertake so great a task. He thought some of the 
brethren might be able to tell him how he might be freed 
from a burden so great; so he made known his troubles to 
some of them, who at once advised him to go forward in the 
discharge of duty in warning sinners, in a public way, of 
their great danger. At first lie was only permitted to exhort 
and pray, then he was licensed to take a text of Scripture 
and make the effort to preach. After having had this lib- s 
erty tor a year or more, he was appointed to a circuit, but 
by reason of the differences hinted at before, he declined to 
accept the appointment made by the Conference. He was 
still ill at ease in regard to the baptismal question, and could 
not be reconciled to believe that "sprinkling" could be valid 
baptism. The brethren, he said, labored hard to convince 
him, but he could not be satisfied. Besides, there were two 
other leading doctrines of his church besetting his mind 
continually. Alan's ability to restore himself from his lost 
condition by his own free will or agency, was a doctrine he 
could not hold. And the final perseverance of the saints in 
grace, is another doctrine repudiated by his church that he 
firmly believed to be true and Scriptural. Entertaining 
these views, what was he to do ? These doctrines were fre- 
quently discussed and commented on, and it behooves every 
honest man "to show his hand." He, however, continued 



252 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

to preach in the midst of these differences for some time, 
his ministering brethren admonishing him in the meantime 
that if he did not believe in free agency, to keep that to him- 
self; and if he believed in the final perseverance of the saints, 
to keep that also to himself, for they considered that a dan- 
gerous doctrine, and certainly contrary to the Book of Dis- 
cipline. So in the midst of his troubles in the 24th year of 
his age he was united in matrimony with Miss Elizabeth 
Wilkie, a daughter of Elder William Wilkie, of Rutherford 
county, N. C, and he continued no longer than about one 
year afterwards in the Methodist connection. 

His father having moved to the State of Tennessee, Al- 
exander and wife Elizabeth both made application for letters 
of dismission from the church to which they belonged, and 
were consequently dismissed from the Methodist connection 
in full fellowship, and in a short time thereafter moved to 
the southeast corner of Burke county and settled on Henry's 
River, where he lived to the time of his death. 

Shortly after he settled at this latter place the renowned 
Baptist preacher of Virginia, Elder Hosea Holcombe, filled 
a list of appointments at a place known as the Mountain 
meeting-bouse, in Lincoln county, four miles from his new 
home, He visited Elder Holcombe and attended his meet- 
ings at the Mountain, became fully satisfied in reference to 
the points heretofore mentioned, presented himself as a can- 
didate for baptism and membership, and was received into 
the fellowship of Union church, and was baptized by Elder 
Hosea Holcombe, in Henry's River. Thus at last he found 
a more congenial home, and having preached over two years 
in the Methodist connection, and many of the Baptist breth- 
ren having heard him preach, and knowing of his good 
standing in societv at once hail him licensed to preach the 
Gospel on the 28th of April, 1817, at Union church. He 
continued at that church and surrounding neighborhood in 
the exhibition of the Gospel until the said church presented 
him for ordination to the full work of the ministry, and he 
was ordained by Elders Hosea Holcombe and Drury Dob- 
bins, acting as a Presbytery. 

Shortly after this Elder Holcombe moved away, and 
Elder Abernathy was chosen pastor of the Union church, 
and he continued in the pastorate until a few years previous 
to his death, which took place August 31st, 1866. He 
preached in Lincoln, Rutherford, Caldwell and Burke, be- 
sides other counties, and to sreat numbers of churches. The 
text for his last sermon will be found in Hebrews, iv. 9 : 
u There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God," 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 253 

•which was preached exactly three weeks previous to his 
death. 

The loth verse of the first chapter of 1st Timothy was 
selected by himself as the text of his funeral sermon : "This 
is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ 
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am 
chief." The sermon was preached by Elder J. C. Grayson, 
an old veteran of the cross, and fellow-helper of the Truth. 

Elder Alexander Abernathy had attained to the age of 
76 years when he died and went to his reward. He had 
passed beyond the scriptural allotment of three-score-and- 
ten, and died with the Gospel harness girt about him bright- 
ened by constant use. He leaves behind him a son every 
way worthy of such a sire, Elder William Abernathy, who 
was born in Burke county, N. C., on the 25th December, 
1821. Married Miss Irene, youngest daughter of Elder 
Thomas Carleton, July 27th, 1853. He joined the church 
at St. John's, Sept., 1866 ; was licensed to preach Dec. 1st, 
1866 ; ordained August 10th, 1867. May he rival his father ! 

In 1819 Elder Abernathy appeared as a delegate from 
Union church to the session of the Broad River Association 
held that year at Head of Tyger River church. The church does 
not appear, from the Minutes, to have been represented 
again until the session of 1825, when Bro. Abernathy again 
attended the session of that year at Buffalo church as a 
delegate. The church after that session was not repre- 
sented again until after the organization of the Catawba 
River Association in 1828, when the Union church became 
a constituent member of that body, and consequently Al- 
exander Abernathy was no longer a Broad River minister. 
He, however, continued in his new relationship up to the 
time of his death. We notice in the Catawba Minutes 
that at the sessions ot 1858— '59 he presided as the Mode- 
rator of the body. We recollect hearing "Old Aleck," as 
lie was familiarly called, at a session of the Broad River 
Association in 1829 preach an able sermon to a large con- 
course of people, who seemed to receive the exhibition of 
the Word by him with rapt attention. His style of preach- 
ing was very different from that of many of the olden time 
••sing-song" preachers. He had a good flow of words, very 
appropriate and suitable to express the noble thoughts that 
appeared almost intuitively to originate in his mind without 
previous reflection or study, and his delivery as to elocution- 
ary rules was preferable to anything taught in the schools. 
It was simply natural and free from affectation of any kind, 
and peculiar to himself alone. Had Alexander Abernathv 



254 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES'. 

been well educated in early life, and bad he tire patronage 
of the lovers of the christian cause in which he was en- 
gaged through a long series of years, instead of dragging 
along in neglect and extreme poverty,, and his ability to do 
good in the cause of the Master thereby so crippled in the 
struggle of life in maintaining himself and family by the 
sweat of his face, there is no one now living able to tell 
what would have been the results of his labors hi the time 
he lived. 

Personal Appearance ; — Alexander Abernathy was about 
five feet ten inches in height, of round and heavy build... 
though not corpulent ; large chest, complexion brown, eyes- 
of hazel color, features line and handsome, gestures attract- 
ive, and his general make up was that of a good looking 
Dutchman. 



Allex, Deacon Woodward was born November 29th 7 
1820, near Woodruff, in Spartanburg county, S. C. Here 
he resided until his marriage with Miss Harriet, daughter of 
John Wells, Esq., of said county, on December 24th, 1840,, 
immediately after which time he moved to the present 
homestead. While on a visit to his parents in Oct., 1849,, 
he professed conversion in a meeting then in progress at 
Bethel church, and was baptized into its membership. By 
letter from this church, a few months after his conversion, 
lie joined the Cedar Springs Baptist church, where he re- 
mained an honored and useful member until by faith he was 
translated to the church triumphant, where there is no pain 7 
no sin, no sorrow. 

Bro. Allen served Cedar Springs church with entire 
satisfaction to all, as clerk and treasurer, for over twenty 
years, and was only permitted to resign then by reason of 
continued ill health, His church loves to honor him for his 
zeal and liberality, as was manifest by his appointment to 
represent them in the Broad River Association for the last 
eighteen years in succession, as well as in many other ways. 
He loved his Association, and it will greatly miss him, as 
will also his church. May his mantle fall upon his sons that 
are in his church, and for his Redeemer's kingdom he, 
though dead, may still live and labor. 

Bro. Allen was a great suiierer in his last days. God 
was trying ins faith, anal it failed not. His christian patience 
had its perfect work, and his faith in God was strong unto 
the end. lie lived and died in the triumphs of the christian 
faith. 

As a citizen, Deacon Allen was kind, liberal in mind 
and means, industrious and progressive ; as a christian he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 255 

was benevolent, loyal to his Master, and faithful in the per- 
formance of every known duty; as a father and husband he 
was kind, affectionate and devoted. We shall all miss him, 
hut our loss is his eternal gain. 

He died April 3d, 1880, at his residence near Cedar 
Springs, Spartanburg county, S. C, in the 60th year of his 
age. (See Minutes JJroad River Association, session of 1880.) 

Barnett, Elder Jo royal was a member of Cedar Springs 
•church, Spartanburg county, S. C, and was one of the pio- 
neer ministers of the Broad River Association, appearing 
first in the session of 1802, held at Buck Creek church, and 
for several years afterwards he represented the same church. 
In 1811 he was chosen Moderator of the body, which is evi- 
dence ot his high and respectable standing in the Associa- 
tion at that day and time. 

We have not been able, from any one now living, to 
ascertain much of his history, not even the date of his advent 
into the world, or the time of his demise, which has doubt- 
less been many years since. He was probably a good preacher 
and energetic pastor during the time of his ministerial ca- 
reer. We learn that he was the paternal uncle of the much 
lamented Elder Micajah Cicero Barnett, whose praise was 
(but a little while ago) in all the churches of the Broad River 
and King^s Mountain Associations — What a pity it is that 
our Baptist people are so remiss and negligent in preserv- 
ing and handing down to succeeding generations the record- 
ed good deeds or acts of their ancestors ! Doubtless a volume 
could have been profitably tilled with the acts and wholesome 
sayings of this good man of God, which can never see the 
light, to be properly appreciated or copied by the living. 

We can only add, let the veteran pioneer still be had in 
remembrance, as one who faithfully bore the banner of the 
cross of Christ in the early days of the Broad River Asso- 
ciation. 



Barnett, Elder Micajah Cicero, nephew of Elder Jo- 
royal Barnett, was born May 20th, 1818, near Cedar Springs, 
Spartanburg county, S. C. Was licensed to preach the Gos- 
pel by the Cedar Springs church. November 27th, 1841, and 
ordained March 25th, 184-3. The presbytery consisted of 
Elders John G. Landrum < Elias Rogers and Felix W. Little- 
John. He intermarried with Miss Nazareth Lipscomb, 
daughter of Edward Liscomb, Esq., a worthy deacon of 
Goueher Creek church. 

His early education was limited, but, by earnest appli- 
cation and constant devotion to his studies, he was recognized 



256 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

as one of the ablest self-educated men of his day. This, 
combined with his fine personal appearance and social quali- 
ties, made him attractive as a preacher and agreeable as a 
companion. His counsel was often sought for by his breth- 
ren, and in his intercourse with men his aim w T as to instruct 
and benefit. With the exception of two years he lived and 
labored within the bounds of the Broad River Association,, 
to which he was greatly attached ; for many years he was its 
clerk and for several its moderator, and was universally 
loved by the whole Association. Although this body may 
deeply feel the loss of this great and good man, his churches 
and the community in which he lived have sustained a loss 
not easily repaired. He supplied at different times during 
his ministry, Cedar Springs — his mother church — Philadel- 
phia, Sulphur Springs, Gilead, Limestone, Pacolet, Shelby, 
and at the time of his death he was a member and the pas- 
tor of El Bethel church, where he had preached with accept- 
ance and much success for three years. He died on the 20th 
September, 1872, in the town of Shelby, Cleveland county* 
N. C, in the 55th year of his age, and under the watch care 
of his numerous friends and sympathizing brethren, on the 
nighf previous to the assembling of the 21st annual session 
of the King's Mountain Association, which body on hearing 
of his demise, passed the following tribute of respect for 
one whom they dearly loved : 

Whereas, We have heard with unfeigned sorrow of the death 
of Elder M. C Baniett who departed this life in Shelby, within the 
bounds of our Association, on the night of the 20th inst., cut down 
in the prime of his manhood and in the midst of his usefulness, at 
a time too, when, to his family and to his churches, there seemed to 
be so much need of him ; therefore 

Resolved, That in the death of Elder Barnett the churches have 
lost a faithful pastor and able preacher, the State an upright citizen, 
the cause of religion — to set forth not only in his teachings but also 
in his lie, a successful advocate — his family a wise and affectionate 
husband and father. 

Resolved, That we tender our sympathies to the bereaved fa mil v 
in their affliction, and pray that it may be sanctified by Him who 
hath smitten them, to their well being in this life and to their ever- 
lasting joy in the world to come. 

His funeral discourse was delivered by Elder John G. 
Land rum, to a large and sympathizing concourse of people 
over his grave at "El Bethel church, where he was buried 
with Masonic honors. And now El Bethel church has taken 
steps to erect a suitable monument to his memory. May 
success crown the .effort, for he richly deserved such a me- 
mento. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 257 

We first met Elder M. C. Burnett at El Bethel church 
in 1842. At that session of the Association he made his 
first appearance as a delegate, and was then an ordained 
minister. lie was frequentij T dabbed the u Biblieal Oracle," 
so thorough was his knowledge of the Scriptures. 

In his pulpit performances he spoke very rapidly — 
without giving himself much time, it would seem, to evoive 
an idea, yet his discourses were systematic, and the subject 
matter treated always had ample justice done it. His 
method or manner of speaking induced some of his critical 
hearers to allege that he memorized his sermons, and depend- 
ed more upon his memory than the strength and quickness 
of his intellect. His sermonizing became a theme of discus- 
sion and wonder. That he had a superior memory we shall 
not for a moment urge a doubt, but bis intellect was also of 
the highest order and ever ready to serve him. He once 
stopped with us to rest for a night, and being doubtless more 
hungry for mental food than for that which perisheth, after 
a few common place and agreeable words he directed his 
way to our little library and very opportunely laid his hand 
on the poems of John Milton, and commenced reading his 
"Paradise Lost and Regained."' The more he read the more 
he became interested, until finally his mind became deepiy 
absorbed in the subject matter of the book. He however 
found a stopping place and laid aside, and after descanting 
awhile upon the topics he had just read the matter was drop- 
ped, and other subjects taken up and discussed more peculiar 
to the ordinary business transactions of life. His colloquial 
powers beiifg of the first order — social and agreeable — he 
was of course entertaining. On the next day (Sunday) we 
went to church, and he preached from Heb. i. 1, 2. And 
strange to say, in the elucidation of the subject embraced in 
the text in reference to the creation of man, and of making 
the worlds in the beginning, he could quote verbatim et iio- 
eratim the poems of Milton which he had read the previous 
evening. It was only necessary for him to read or hear, to 
have made an indelible impression on his very plastic and 
retentive mind. 

It was however not memory alone (much as it contribu- 
ted) that made Elder Baimett a polished shaft in the quiver 
of the Lord. JSor was it education or scholastic training, for 
of that he had but very little. It was the large brain of the 
man — the gigantic intellectual reasoning powers that he 
possessed which, combined with the special blessings of rich 
grace bestowed on him by the Holy Spirit, that enabled him 
to grapple with the most abstruse and mysterious questions 
and arrive almost intuitively at sound and orthodox conclu- 
33 



238 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

sions. His mental powers acted so quickly that little time 
for reflection was necessary. He was certainly a man of ex- 
traordinary gifts, and had language completely under his 
control, and he generally clothed his ideas in the best English 
dress. He was often chosen to preach the introductory ser- 
mons at the different sessions oi the Association, and to 
write the circular letters to the churches in union. He was 
also appointed one of a committee to prepare a Historical 
Sketch of the Broad River Association, and is substantially 
the author of the pamphlet purporting to be such a history, 
published in 1873. 

We have thought proper to reproduce and embody in 
this work his circular letter, on the Nature of a call to the Min- 
istry, and the Duty of Churches to their Gifted Brethren, written 
in 1851. It will doubtless be read with much interest by all 
those who have been lavored with his acquaintance : 

TO THE CHUItCHES IN UNION. 

Dear Brethren : — According to the arrangement of our last As- 
sociation, we address you this year on the Nature of a call to the 
Ministry, and the Duty of the Churches to their Gifted Brethren. 

The scheme of Redemption is an object to which all other objects 
and events in our world are subordinate ; hence the language of Dr. 
Porter : "The preaching of the Gospel is a great work. In the mag- 
nitude of its object it surpasses, beyond all comparison, every other 
object and employment in which man can engage." There is an 
awful dignity in the character of this great work, as it is the princi- 
pal means which the Divine Being has instituted to make known 
His scheme of mercy to a lost world. "For when the world by wis- 
dom knew not God it pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, 
to save them that believe." "Who is sufficient for these things?" 
Preaching being then the appointment of God, the authority to 
preach is primarily derived from Him— the Great Lord having re- 
served to Himself the high prerogative of choosing His own spirit- 
ual teachers from the first period of the world's history. The preach- 
ing of Christ as the subject and object of the ministry has always 
been the grand criterion of a faithful preacher. All who were in- 
strumental in illuminating mankind in any age of the world, derived 
their light "from the light of the world." In like manner, ail true 
ministers have received the authority to exercise their ministry from 
Him. 

Believing in Him for theiu own salvation they receive from Him 
all those peculiar dispositions and endowments which fit them for 
their work. The Priests and Scribes, overlooking the divine power 
of our Lord's miracles, inquired of Him by what authority He acted 
— intimating that He ought to have taken out commission from 
them, as the source of ecclesiastical authority. But He plainly showed 
them that they had received no commission from Him, but were 
leaders of the blind, being blind themselves. Of such we might say 
were all those who, through love of ease, riches or reputation, intrude 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 259 

themselves into the ministerial office without possessing those qual- 
ifications, which are so many credentials from Christ, that He has 
sent them. But as God does not decide the claims of men to the 
ministerial office by a miracle, as He did in the case of Aaron, nor 
by limiting it to a particular family, as He did in the Jewish priest- 
hood ; so neither does He prepare nor set apart men to the ministry 
by any providence visible to us, but choosing men from the various 
ranks and conditions of life, so as to make any settled method with 
Him unknown to us. 

The ordinary method however with the Divine Being in the 
Jewish Dispensation, in selecting His public teachers of religion, 
was to take those who had been educated in the schools of the Proph- 
ets (a proceeding corresponding with the splendor of that dispensa- 
tion,) as seems signified by the false Prophets endeavoring to escape 
the retribution due to their fraud, by asserting they had not enjoyed 
a prophetic education. Nevertheless, designation of men to the 
public ministry under God, sometimes fell on those engaged in the 
common avocations of domestic life who had never enjoyed such 
privileges. Such was the call of Amos. "I was no prophet," says 
he, "nor was I a prophet's son ; but I was a husbandman, and a 
gatherer of sycamore fruits, and the Lord took me and said unto me, 
"Go, prophesy to my people, Israel. " The mantle of Elijah fell on 
Elisha when he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him. 

Both Moses and John the Baptist were from their infancy set 
apart and- reared up in the providence of God as public teachers in 
religion. Moses received an education suited to his rank as the 
adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter, but John was in the wilderness 
from his childhood until the day of his showing unto Israel. Noth- 
ing therefore can be determined from the circle in which men are 
brought up, or the advantages they have enjoyed as to their claims 
to the ministerial call. But the examples we have given of men 
being called of God to the ministry, has reference to former dispen- 
sations and the introduction of Christianity, and to these might be 
added those of the Apostles ; but there were other ministers of sub- 
ordinate rank in the first days of the Christian Church who were 
called, in the New Testament, Evangelists— such as Timothy, Titus, 
Archippus, and others. To determine the setting apart of this order 
of the ministry, is to determine the call of the ministry in our days. 
Unless it can be shown that God's method of converting men by the 
living ministry as a chosen instrument, is changed by a special law 
expressed or implied, it follows that what was his mode of proceed- 
ing at that time, is now, and always will be. To call to the minis-" 
try, is to invite, to appoint and furnish a person into and with 
such particular endowments by the Word, providences and motives 
of the Holy Ghost as make him suitable for the worK. Archippus is 
said to have received his ministry in the Lord, and Timothy to have 
received all his best qualifications as a gift according to a' previous 
prophecy— not by, but with the laying on of the hands of the Pres- 
bytery ; i. e., at the time the hands of the Presbytery were laid on 
him,— being trained up from a child in the knowledge of the Scrip- 



2G0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

tures. Christ, having been exalted to Heaven, gave to the church, 
Apostles, Prophets, Pastors and Teachers as the invaluable gifts He 
had received for men. An Apostle must be possessed of an infalli- 
bility of doctrine, and a power of speech with tongues never learned, 
and to work miracles ; but the working of miracles and the speaking 
of different languages, without premeditation, have ceased. The 
ministry belonging to the church now, is what we call Pastors and 
Evangelists, and from these we have no right to expect an infalli- 
bility of doctrine, nor a perfect understanding of all that is revealed 
in the Bible. This would suppose a greater degree of perfection of 
the preachers of our days than was enjoyed by the ministers of other 
days. If Timothy, Titus, and the other Evangelists had understood 
the revealed will of God, and by virtue of their' office would have 
been sure to have carried it out for the perfection of saints, all the 
advice and admonition of the Apostles to them would have been un- 
necessary. "'Give thyself to reading," was the adviceof Paul to Tim- 
othy : and Aquilla and Prisuilla taught Apoilos the way of the Lord 
more perfectly. 

We can not say how far human preparation in the Apostles them- 
selves was necessary to their teaching the will of the Lord. Paul 
desired Timothy to bring the books with him to Troas ; Daniel, the 
Prophet of the Lord, learned, by the study of books, what would be 
the length of Judah's captivity in Babylon ; hence the importance 
of all ministers studying to show themselves approved unto God. 
No man who has any just conception of the trauscendant importance 
of the great work of preaching, will trrink himself already so per- 
fect as to need no improvement. There is no waj T , however, of 
determining a man's call to the ministry but by his qualification. 
The church being judge of this brings us to the second part of our 
subject— the Duty of the Churches to their Gifted Brethren. 

Piety, though essential, is not the only qualification necessary 
r.o the character of a preacher. Piety and human knowledge togeth- 
er are not all that is necessary. There must be superadded to these 
a desire for the work and an aptitude to teach. Not only the possess- 
ion of knowledge, but also the ability to communicate it to others ; 
hence the importance of a church keeping within her bounds and 
under her own immediate inspection those of her members just be- 
ginning to exercise a public gift, and we think it is the duty of the 
church thus to act until the gift is ascertained to be profitable, Apt- 
itude to teach is the only qualification upon which the church can 
decide, the desire of the work being left for the man himself to de- 
termine upon. When the gift is judged profitable, then it ought to 
be recommended by a license, but in all cases let a church be willing 
to receive the gift in the character it recommends it toothers. There 
may be cases, however, that would justify a church in ordaining a 
man, when prudence would suggest the pastor should be one of age 
and experience. The Apostle Paul attached some importance to his 
age as a man, though an Apostle from the beginning of his ministry. 
''Being such an one as Paul, the aged, I beseech, &c, &c. The par- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 261 

tlcular locality or disciplinary condition of a church might be a just- 
ification to them in ordaining a man before he was ripe for their 
pastorship. Such cases however must necessarily be very rare. In 
all eases of ordination respect should be had to a probable improve- 
ment, and it is the remark of a Divine, familiar to us all, that "the 
fidelity, patience and perseverance of some men in the ministry has 
enabled them so to read men and things as to shame and put to flight 
half the readers of books ;" that "a further and fuller development 
of a minister's own powers, and the constant increase of his knowl- 
edge and all his best qualifications which experience teaches, he can 
only acquire in his work," But there is another duty resting oil a 
church which, though painful, is nevertheless important— that 
is restraining or silencing those whose gifts, afier sufficient 
fc trial, may be thought unprofitable. One of the seven churches of 
Asia was commended by the Redeemer, for having tried them that 
said they were Apostles and were not. Fuller says, when a gift is 
received by a church, it is an evidence to the man that he possesses 
•qualifications ; but if the gift be tolerated, and the church at the same 
time thinks the man possesses no qualification, he is deceived. Ev- 
ery charitable allowance should be made, however, both in respect 
to time and circumstance, before a church passes upon a gift to con- 
demn it. 

Now, as it respects the duty of churches to their pastors and 
regular supplies, it is unnecessary to say much, for they have already 
been taught that they ought to serve one another in love. There is 
a reciprocal duty existing between the church and him that minis- 
ters to them. And, as the end of the Gospel ministry is the spiritual 
advantage of the church, and as it is the duty— and even obligation 
— of the minister to preach the Word in season and out of season, 
to exhort with all long-suffering as best suits their interests ; so there 
is a duty and obligation devolving on the church toward him who 
ministers to them in holy things. And, as no minister can covet a 
haughty independence of the church without derogating his minis- 
terial character, so a church can not let him sink into abject depend- 
ence, without being unfaithful to the trust committed to them. 

The duty of a church to her pastor besides being fellow-helpers 
to him by prayer, and by that deportment which will enable him to 
speak strongly of the effects of true religion on the conduct, is to 
administer to his temporal wants. The Apostle insists that those 
who preached the Gospel had an equitable claim to a maintenance 
on the principles of natural justice, and urged it not only from the 
precepts of Moses' law, but also from the common usage among 
men. Though he did not require them to raise an income for him, 
yet, in this self-denying, disinterested conduct, his ground of glory- 
ing he declares was not before God, but before them. For the soldier 
when fighting for his country, being thus prevented from attending 
to his private concerns, had his charges paid by the State. A person 
employed in planting a vineyard was allowed a maintenance from 
its products. Thus, ministers who were fighting the good fight of 
faith, and laboring in the Lord's vineyard, had a right to expect a 



262 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

maintenance by his services. And farther (the Apostle reasons,) 
God would not make a special law for the support of laboring oxen r 
and then allow that any of the human species should receive the 
services of these brethren without a remuneration. 

Is it not said, however, "who goeth a warfare and is not rich ? 
who planteth a vineyard and heaps not up gold from the fruits of it? 
who feedeth a flock and makes not merchandise of the sheep?" — 
teaching us that the Spiritual pastors should be content with what 
is necessary — not what is superfluous, Then, as a minister, should 
not feel it a hardship to be dependent, nor a dishonor to be support- 
ed by his brethren — so let the church be assiduous to make him 
happy in his mind, and easy in his circumstances, by administering 
to his spiritual comfort and temporal necessities. It is the glory of 
dissenting churches, says one, if they make voluntary sacrifices for 
the maintaining true religion among them. 

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our 
Lord Jesus Christ, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the 
blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good 
work, to do His will — w T orking in you that which is well pleasing in 
His sight, through Jesus Christ. Micajah C. Barnett. 

October 17th, 1851. 



Berry, Elder Larkin Merte is a native of Buncombe 
county, jN". C. Come to the King's Mountain Association 
as a delegate from' the newly constituted church at Lincoln- 
ton, X. C, in 1859; was at that time an energetic agent for 
Dr. Sumner's Board, at Marion, Alabama. He continued 
to represent the Lincolnton church until about 1867, when 
he moved away. During elder Berry's stay with the King's 
Mountain body, he became popular and useful as a preach- 
er, and was frequently put forward to defend the peculiar 
tenets of the Baptists. He was fond of polemics : and was 
a fearless and able debater. He was more than once 
honored with the appointment of moderator of the body, 
and presided with efficiency and dignity. At the boisterous 
session in I860, at High Shoals church, when the division of 
the body took place by reason of the adoption of a resolution 
the previous year on the subject of Temperance, he was 
then acting moderator, and displayed a great deal of par- 
liamentary, tact in his rulings, and proved equal to the 
emergency. He was an acceptable preacher, having a clear 
shrill feminine voice, and very good articulation. He had 
an excellent wife and a family of several children, and 
is probably if now living (1882.) about 60 years of age. He 
removed (it is said) from here to St. Louis, Missouri. 

As Elder L. M. Berry was the author of several Circu- 
lar Letters addressed to the churches in union, while a mem- 
ber of the King's Mountain Association, we will therefore, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 263 

reproduce his letter of I860, on "The design and authority of 
Associations, and the true relations existing between them and the 
churches they represent" 

THE LETTER, 

Iii attempting to define associations, we shall first define our po- 
sition in relation to their design and authority. Associations consist 
of delegates chosen and recommended by the churches in union, 
who, when convened, organize themselves into what is commonly 
•called an Advisory Council, by electing a Moderator and Clerk ; they 
then transact such business as may legitimately come before them. 
If we are asked, however, for the Scriptural plan and authority for 
such organized bodies, we say the New Testament is silent on the 
subject. It is thought by some, however, that the xv, chap, of Acts 
furnishes us a sufficient example, at least for Associations. But if 
the reader will take the pains to read the whole chapter, he will find 
the brethren at Antioch, who were Gentiles, were not willing to sub- 
mit to circumcision and Moses' law, as some under pretended au- 
thority had taught them. Faul and Barnabas, therefore, took it into 
head to go up to Jerusalem to consult the mother church about this 
question, because there abode here Apostles and Elders — all laboring 
under divine inspiration. With them, therefore, they came together 
in a church conference, and then and there decided that they had 
given no such authority ; and after writing letters to Antioch, and 
to others concerned about the matter, appointed brethren to bear the 
same, who also should tell them the same by word of mouth. This 
council or conference then, was in every respect dissimilar to 
our Associations. 

1st. It was not an annual or periodical meeting. 

2nd. It was not a meeting for business transaction, but simply 
a meeting to settle a theological question that had arisen. 

But it may be asked, may we not now settle all our theological 
differences by a Council or Association .? We answer : No. We are 
not divinely inspired as were the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem. 

We say, then, in settling all our theological questions, we must 
take them up to the Apostles and Elders, and let them settle them 
for us; i.e., let the New Testament Scriptures, which is the only 
sure rule of faith and practice, settle them for us. You ask then if 
the xv. chap, of Acts does not afford sufficient precept or example 
for Associations, why have them ? Answer: We claim them upon 
the ground of expediency. Religion has its laws and promises, and 
they are given too by the Law-giver in Zion, and these are as im- 
mutable and unchangable as their author. Yet many things per- 
taining to the establishment and propagation of Christianity are of 
necessity left to be settled by time and circumstances ; in a word, by 
expediency. Take for an illustration the following : We have no 
account of any houses of worship being erected in the days of the 
Apostles, yet they were commanded to preach the Gospel. Now if 
this could be done most successfully without houses, then it would 
be wrong to build and use them. But on examination we find the 



264 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

Apostles at first had the free use of the Temple and Jewish Syna- 
gogues, but time and circumstances have made it expedient to bull J 
houses in which to worship God. Again, there was no religious 
periodicals in the days of the Apostles, yet we find them a matter of 
great expediency in disseminating religious truth all around, where 
it could hardly be said to be expedient for the living ministry to go. 
And again, no translations of the Holy Scriptures were made in the 
days of the Apostles, and nothing said about it ; yet time and cir- 
cumstances have made it not only expedient, but a matter of absolute 
necessity to translate the Scriptures into many different languages 
and dialects, and this is done in order to carry out successfully the 
great commission of our blessed Savior, to preach the Gospel to every 
creature. We give yet another illustration : We perceive in this 
same commission of Christ to His Apostles, we are commanded to 
baptize all that believe. Well, every man of common Bible infor- 
mation knows that baptism means immersion, and nothing else. 
The Savior, in the same commission, did not say to the Apostles or 
to the church, make pools and dam up creeks and branches for this 
purpose; yet sometimes we find it necessary to do this in order to- 
baptize those who believe through the preaching of the pure Gospel. 
Then we maintain the churches have a right to organize themselves 
into associate bodies to carry out the commission of Christ, on the 
ground of expediency. The fact is, if churches are authorized to do 
an5 7 thing for the promotion of Christianity, they are authorized to* 
use combined effort, provided no law of Christ be violated ; and we 
maintain that none is violated in the organization of an Association, 
provided such bodies do not attempt to act beyond their proper 
sphere, or assume powers properly belonging to the churches in a. 
church capacity only. The question then arises, w r hat is, and what 
is not the legitimate work of Associations ? We maintain, the proper 
work of an Association is to strive for "the unity of the Spirit in the 
bonds of peace" amongst the churches; the employment and sus- 
taining of missionaries in destitute fields ; to keep up our statistical 
accounts; to concentrate our efforts together for the advancement of 
the Redeemer's cause on earth, and for the deposition of the works 
of darkness, and, finally, to "provoke one another to love and good 
works." 

We think, from all we can find of the doings of the first Associ- 
ations, as given to us by history, the Baptists had no other object in 
view in their first organization. In Davis' History of the Welch 
Baptists we find an association in existence in the first part of the 
sixth century, holding a meeting on the borders of Herefordshire, 
Wales. History gives us but little of their doings more than to in- 
form us that Austin, the Romish monk, appeared at the meeting 
and said he would propose three things to the Welch ministers and 
messengers of the different churches of the principality: First, he 
proposed infant baptism. In this he was immediately answered by 
the Welch Baptists that they would keep this ordinance as well as 
all other things, as they had received them from the Apostolic age. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 265 

On this Austin became exceedingly wroth, and influenced the Saxon 
pagans to murder 1.200 ministers and delegates there present. After 
this we lose sight of Associations until after the Reformation, when 
we again find Associations organized at Abergaverny, Moumouth- 
shire, Wales. On the 14th and 15th days of August, 1653, in this 
meeting the principal business was missionary work, as history in- 
forms us. It was here proposed to revive the old plan of supporting 
ministers in weak and destitute churches; whereupon Wm. Thomp- 
son was appointed missionary for six months, and received from 
those churches about £10. From the foregoing facts the reader will 
readily see the old plan, revived in the 16th century, had for its ob- 
ject the support of the Gospel in destitute places, by the strongest 
churches aiding the weaker ones. Then the missionary cause is not 
a new thing, as some vainly suppose, but the old plan revived, and 
we trust that this Association will never lose sight of this grand 
object — the spread of a pure Gospel — until the kingdoms of this 
w r orld shall become the kingdoms of God and of His Christ. Many 
churches and brethren, however, have fallen into a mistaken notion 
about the design and authority of Associations, and wish to use them 
only as courts of appeal, as holding some kind of superior authority 
over the churches. This has partly risen as w T e suppose from the 
unscriptural authority assumed by Councils, Synods, Presbyteries 
and Conferences, which assume to make laws and settle difficulties 
for their churches or congregations. 

Dear brethren, we say in postive terms, with the Holy Bible be- 
fore us, that this Association presumes to hold no such authority 
over God's heritage. We make no laws to govern the churches. 
The Bible alone affords a sufficient code for the government of God's 
people, and this is clearly taught by Paul, when he says to Timothy, 
his son in the Gospel, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, 
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruc- 
tion in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thereby 
furnished to every good w T ork." — 2d Tim. iii. 16, 17. 

Christ, the Head of the Church, has given to it its laws ; the 
church therefore has no right — neither has its functionaries — to add 
to, take from, alter or amend the same. Baptists have always been 
tenacious for the pure Scriptures as the only law to govern God's 
people in religious matters, and hence has arisen their opposition to 
the wicked practice of uniting church and state. As we stated in 
the outset, the laws of God are immutable and unchangeable. In 
the xviii. chap, of Matthew we have the law for dealing in private 
offences, which is as follows : "Moreover, if thy brother shall tres- 
pass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him 
alone ; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother ; but if he 
w T ill not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the 
mouth of two or three witnesses every word maybe established ; and 
if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church ; but if he 
neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathan man 
and a publican ;" that is, excommunicate him, which is the final 
34 



266 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

issue of the whole matter. No intimation whatever is given by the 
Savior that either party may, if he or they be dissatisfied with the 
decision of the church, appeal to some higher authority. And again, 
in public offences, as in the case of the incestuousperson in 1st Cor. v. 
4, 5. We are taught "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye 
are gathered together, and My Spirit, with the power of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction 
of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of our Lord 
Jesus." No law for an appeal appears in this case, but the trial is 
final. The church then is the highest ecclesiastical authority on 
earth, and has no original or independent sovereignty of her own 
that she can delegate to any one else. This arises from her inde- 
pendent form of government — one church not being bound by the 
act of another, especially when said acts are unscriptural and wicked. 
This being the case, there is therefore no necessity for appeals to asso- 
ciations. If a member or members feel that they have been wickedly 
and unseripturall3 T dealt with and excluded, it is his or their duty to 
go to the church thus dealing and remonstrate with them; and if 
she still persist in his or their exclusion, he or they may then lay the 
matter before another church which may, in its independency and 
discretion, restore the excluded member or members. We would not 
advise this course, however, until the last named church has made 
herself fully acquainted with all the facts of the case, and then faith- 
fully labored with the excluding church. Then if, in the opinion 
of the church to which the excluded member or members have ap- 
plied the excluding church acted wicked and unscripturally, she 
may receive them into her fellowship. 

We do not think the wicked and unscriptural acts of one church 
can bind the acts of every other church. If so, every church must 
act wickedly because one church has chose to do so. 

We do say then, according to the laws of Christ, one church is 
not bound by the sins of another church. The facts of the case are 
about these : if a church in her independency, wickedly and unscru- 
pulously excommunicates a member from her fellowship, another 
church in her independency may rightfully restore him to fellow- 
ship, and yet no right of any church is by this act violated. In con- 
clusion, we then say the churches, in their associate capacity, have 
a right to say what churches may be admitted into the confederacy 
^and what churches shall not; and in cases of divisions among 
churches where both parties shall send up a letter and delegates to 
the Association, she may decide which, if either party, she will re- 
ceive into her confederacy, and in doing this she is certainly not 
interfering with the internal rights of any church. 

Our earnest prayer to God is that peace and prosperity may long 
continue to abound among the churches composing this and similar 
bodies. Amen. L. INI. Berry. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 267 

Bonner, Elder Bryant was a native of Spartanburg 
county, S. C, born February 4th, 1817. Intermarried with 
Miss Hannah Foster, April 7th, 1836, in the 19th year of 
his age, and settled in his native county. In 1848 he made 
his first appearance in the Broad River Association at the 
session held at Buffalo church ; was then a lay delegate, and 
continued to represent the Buck Creek church for several 
sessions. In 1855 he was ordained to the Gospel ministry, 
and preached acceptably to several of the churches within 
the bounds of the Broad River and King's Mountain Asso- 
ciations. At the session of the Broad River in 1872 he was 
chosen Moderator and presided with dignity over the delib- 
erations of the body. When in 1876 the Spartanburg Asso- 
ciation was organized (Elder Bonner being at that time a 
member of Limestone church,) he joined the new body, and 
was an active member of the same up to the time of his 
death, which took place April 7th, 1879, in the 63d year of 
his age. 

Elder Bonner was above the ordinary size of men in 
weight and stature, inclining somewhat to corpulency ; was 
near-sighted, and consequently always wore spectacles, but 
had a genial and pleasant face. He was in the early part of 
his ministerial life quite lively and humorous, and a great 
mimic. We have been greatly amused in hearing him tell 
funny anecdotes, with a view sometimes to tease the breth- 
ren — one of which we will reproduce : Some of the brethren, 
who shall now be nameless, had held a protracted meeting 

at church, which, if it was not noted for anything else, 

was certainly remarkable for bearing off the palms in point 
of duration — three weeks having been entirely consumed in 
the services. The supply of "creature comforts" thought- 
fully provided for an anticipated "long-winded" meeting be- 
came well nigh completely exhausted. The stock of poultry 
in the vicinity of that church was said to be reduced down 
to a guinea, an old rooster and a drake. The guinea relied 
on the strength and elasticity of his wings to save himself, 
and had selected the top of a high shade tree as his perch, 
while the rooster had betook himself to the upper story of 
the barn, and the drake occupied the basement or lower 
apartment of the same building. While thus concealed for 
several days, suffering in the meanwhile for subsistance, and 
being extremely anxious for something like armistice or ces- 
sation of hotilities : the guinea at the risk of his life com- 
menced crying, protracted, protracted, protracted? Chanticleer, 
hearing the cry of the guinea, immediately emerged from 
his concealment, andflying to a window, at once made inquiry 
by crowing, are-they-gone ? are-they gone ? The drake, being 



2C8 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

aroused from bis carefully selected hiding place by bearing 
the voice of his fellow bipeds, and being more wary and 
cautious than either of them, ventured to the eve of his well 
concealed position, and upon pain of inevitable destruction, 
bade them hush! h-u-s-h! h-u-s-h ! Of course this was in- 
tended as mere hilarity and joke, and yet it also answered 
as a philipic on the excesses of protracted meetings. 



Blackwell, Elder Zechariah was a pioneer minister 
of the Broad River Association, and appears as a delegate in 
1808, from State Line church, Spantanburg county, S. C, 
and in 1823, he represented Buck Creek church in the ses- 
sion at Reedy River of that year. In 1812, he preached the 
introductory sermon at Friendship church. He was for that 
period considered an able preacher. 

Elder M. C. Barnett in his Associational Sketches, says: 
"At the session of 1842, at El Bethel church, I saw Elder 
Blackwell for the last time. lie was very old; but still he 
had not thrown off the mantel of his calling; I remember 
yet the veneration I felt for him ; when, after the association 
adjourned, he came out of the house and pulled off his hat, 
and standing in the yard he published that he would preach 
at such a place at such a time. His head was as white as 
cotton, his voice weak and tremulous, and his whole physi- 
cal appearance that of a man standing on the brink of the 
grave. His dress was coarse and well worn, but still there 
was a dignity of virtue and an air of majesty about him that 
captivated, even while it subdued. He died in the course of 
that year, and his grave, which is in the neighborhood of 
Cherokee Ford, on Broad River, has remained without any- 
thing to mark it until two years ago when, at the suggestion 
of Bro. Wm. Curtis, the Association resolved to erect a 
tombstone at his grave, with a suitable inscription to his 
memory, and immediately raised money in the body for that 
purpose. 

As a preacher he had nothing of the polish of oratory 
about him, but having made the Bible his principal study, 
he always preached as a scribe well instructed in the king- 
dom — never being at a loss for an apt quotation of Scripture 
in support of anything he advanced; with a melting pathos 
and sound sense his sermons could not but be as they were, 
both interesting and instructive. If he had been favored 
with the advantages of an early training he would no doubt 
have been one of the shining lights of his day. Who can 
forbear a tear of sympathy when standing by the graves of 
such men as old Bro. Blackwell, and remembering those 
pathetic lines of Gray : 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 269 

''Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid 
ISome heart once pregnant with celestial fire ; 
Hands that the rod of empire might have swayed, 
Or waked to ecstacy the living lyre. 
But knowledge to their eyes her ample page, 
Rich with the sports of time did ne'r unroll ; 
Chill penury expressed their noble rage, 
And froze the genial current of the soul." 
"After all," says Roland Hill, "that is the best preach- 
ing that best answers the end of preaching:" and says 
Fuller: 'Those ministers whose labors have been more 
abundantly owned for the promotion of true religion, have 
been distinguished by their attachment to the common 
Truth, and have not descended to curious researches, nor 
indulged in a spirit of speculation upon what is so clearly 
revealed. And those churches which have abounded the 
-most in vital and practical goodness-, and such as have loved 
and. lived upon the Truth, from whomsoever it has pro- 
ceeded.' " 

Elder Zechariah Blackwell died October 12th, 1843, 
and his demise is properly noticed in the Minutes. (See 
journalistic part of this work, session of 1843). 



Blackwell, Elder Joel was a pioneer minister and 
member of the Baptist church at Green River, Rutherford 
county, ST. C, which church was one of the constituent 
members of the Broad River Association, organized in the 
year 1800. He continued an active member and represent- 
ative until the year 1835. The session convened that year 
at Wolf's Creek church, and he served then and there his 
last term in the Association. In the succeeding session at 
Zion church he is recorded an absentee, and in the Minutes 
of the session of 1839 the following item appears on the 
record : "It becomes our painful duty to record the death of 
Elder Joel Blackwell, who departed this life sometime during 
the past associational year." 

The services rendered by him in the Gospel ministry, 
and the faithfulness and zeal with which he discharged the 
various duties assigned him while occupying a station so 
important on the walls of Zion (which he continued to do 
for near forty years,) entitle him to the remembrance and 
respect of all good men ; for he not only in his early life 
taught the healthful doctrines of the Gospel with force and 
with confidence in its correctness and truth, but he even, in 
his declining years, ratified the things which he had spoken, 
by discovering a holy calmness in view of death and his ap- 
proaching dissolution, which did honor to the christian 



270 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

cause. He died as he had lived, expressing great love and 
regard for his fellow-men, and beloved by all whose oppor- 
tunities in life enabled them to appreciate the worth of such 
a good man. 

In offering this tribute of respect to the memory of our 
departed brethren^ we earnestly sympathize with his rela- 
tives and friends ; yet w T e advise them not to sorrow and 
grieve as those having no hope — for although we are deprived 
of the blessings of his usefulness and presence here, yet we 
have great reason to believe that his immortal spirit has gone 
home to rest in a tar better land — to be enriched with the 
full fruition of everlasting joys, and there to lisp undying 
praises in harmonious songs to his Eternal King, and ever 
to mingle with the innumerable company of happified spir- 
its that fly in glorious splendor around the dazzling throne 
of the great Jehovah God. 

We once heard related an anecdote of this good man. 
He had a neighbor, S. C, who, bye-the-bye, was a clever cit- 
izen and honest-hearted man, but who was of intemperate 
habits, and had on a certain occasion indulged too freely in 
quaffing alcoholic draughts, by reason of which he became 
fuddled and deprived of his proper balance ; and while in 
that topsy-turvy condition, being mounted in the saddle he 
fell, from his horse on his way homeward from a grocery, 
and being a corpulent and heavy man he had the misfortune 
to get his collar bone dislocated, and otherwise seriously in- 
jured, in consequence of which he was laid up some time — 
almost at the point of death. Elder Blackwell, hearing of 
his misfortune, and deeming it a Scriptural duty he owed to 
frail humanity, paid him a visit to administer to his necessi- 
ties, and judging it might be a good time to make a religious 
impression, he inquired in the kindest manner of him if he 
did not think it (the mishap) as a judgment, inflicted upon 
him by reason of his sinful habits? And after expatiating 
at some length on the providence of God in sparing the lives 
of His disobedient and erring creatures, rather in the form 
of a sick-room lecture, he again turned his eyes toward his 
suffering neighbor, and asked him if he did not consider his 
sufferings a judgment. Said the suffering man : "I do not. 
If it was a judgment, I could stay it ; but it is more of the 
nature of an execution, and therefore I suppose we shall 
have to let it rip !" Doubtless the old man of God consid- 
ered his neighbor a depraved specimen of humanity ! — a 
Tartar that still loved to adhere to the wine cask ! 

Elder Joel Blackwell was a soldier of the Revolutionary 
war. The date of his birth is unknown to us. His style or 
manner of preaching was said to be of the sing-song charac- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 271 

ter. He was of robust, heavy build, pleasant and affable 
manners ; and although not an able preacher, yet devotedly 
pious and useful m the times he lived. 

Bomar, Elder Thomas was a native of Spartanburg 
county, S. C., the date of his birth unknown to us. He was 
a member of Bethlehem church, and in the session of the 
Broad River Association in the year 1818 appeared in that 
body as a delegate,, and continued to represent said church 
several sessions afterwards. In the session of 1820 he was 
chosen Moderator of the Association, and discharged the 
duties of the chair with ability and dignity. His personal 
appearance was very fine and prepossessing, tall and erect 
in his carriage, of graceful gestures, and good voice and 
articulation. His scholastic attainments were said not to ex- 
tend further than a tolerably accurate knowledge of the 
English language ; he was however well posted in the Scrip- 
tures, and scarcely ever failed to interest the congregations 
that attended on his ministrations of the Word. So popular 
had he become as a preacher that he was appointed by the 
Association to preach the introductory sermons to the ses- 
sions of 1820-'23 and 1828, and at the session of 1824 he 
was chosen to write a circular letter to the churches on the 
subject of Christian Liberty, which we reproduce as a tribute 
to his memory. 

In the session of the Association of 1830, we find the 
following entry on the Minutes : "It is with deep-felt sorrow 
that we record the death of our much esteemed and well 
beloved brother, Elder Thomas Bomar. The churches un- 
der his charge have sustained a great bereavement, as have 
his dear family and relatives. To them his loss is irrepara- 
ble, but to him infinite gain and everlasting joy at God's 
right hand." 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

Beloved Brethren : — The subject on which we have thought 
proper to address you this year is that of Christian Liberty— a, sub- 
ject which you will discover is of great importance, if you consider 
the great price with which it was purchased; viz : the precious blood 
of Christ. For when we speak of Christian Liberty, we mean a 
liberty peculiar to christians — that is, a liberty to which none but 
christians are entitled You will observe, Brethren, that the term, 
liberty is, in its meaning, very copious, embracing a variety of ideas, 
and consequently is liable to misconstruction. We shall therefore 
through the whole of this address speak of liberty and freedom, as 
being synonymous terms. These things being promised, we pro- 
ceed to state briefly in the first place what we understand by the 
term. Christian Liberty, and secondly, how that liberty may be 
abused. First, our blessed Lord speaks of the state of wrath and 



272 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

condemnation in which sinners are by nature in a state of slavery 
to sin. John viii. 34. "Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of 
sin ;" consequently, to be delivered from the guilt of sin, may be 
considered christian liberty. For Christ says, '*If the Son therefore 
shall make you free, ye shall be free rodeed." John viii. 36. And 
the Apostle Paul says, "The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus 
hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Rom. viii. 2. 
Furthermore, by christian liberty or freedom, we may understand 
freedom from the wrath of God and the curse of His law. For the 
Apostle saith, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, 
being made a curse for us." Gal. iii v 13. Much more to the same 
purport might be said : as freedom from the sting of death — victory 
over the grave, &c, but our limits forbid us to proceed. 

The liberty of which we have been speaking was common to the 
saints under the Old Testament dispensation as well as under the 
New ; but under the dispensation of the New Testament Christ hath 
greatly enlarged the liberty of His church, by delivering them from 
the yoke of the ceremonial law. To this subject the Apostle evi- 
dently alludes, when he says: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty 
wherewith Christ hath made us free." Gal. v. 1. Our blessed High 
Priest has freed us from those numerous ceremonies to which the 
Jewish church was subject— those ceremonies having received 
their accomplishment in Him, and He having entered into Heaven, 
where He lives and pleads His own merits in behalf of His church. 
To this subject the Apostle evidently alludes when he says, "Seeing 
then, that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heav- 
ens—Jesus, the Son of God — let us hold fast our profession." Heb. 
iv, 14. Christian liberty further consists in a privilege to use and 
enjoy, in a lawful manner, those temporal blessings which God has 
provided for mankind in common — such as eating, drinking, c&c, 
together with all the real or lawful enjoyments arising from the 
nuptial or social life. 

Having briefly stated what we understand by christian liberty, 
we come secondly to speak of the way in which that liberty may be 
abused. 1st, when professors of Christianity indulge in the practice 
of licentiousness, or sin of any kind, they abuse christian liberty, as 
is evident from the words of the Apostle ; for in the epistle to the 
Galatians he speaks thus : "For, brethren, ye have been called unto 
liberty : only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love 
serve one another." Gal. v. 13. For although the saints "are not 
under the law, but under grace ;" yet they have not liberty to trans- 
gress the law, nor can they transgress it without chastisement. 
Rom. vi. 13, 14 ; Heb. xii. 5, 6, 7, &c, and placed in a state of justifi- 
cation before God, through the merits of the atonement of Christ. 
We indulge in the neglect of any of those duties which are enjoined 
on us as christians ; we, in that case, abuse christian liberty. For 
Christ hath not freed His people from the curse of the moral law, 
and from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to indulge them in a sloth- 
ful or careless neglect of the ordinances of His Gospel ; "but now 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 273 

being made free from sin, and become servants to God," &c. Rem. 
vi. -2-2. So that if we are free from sin, we are the servants of God, 
and we cannot be the servants of God except we serve Him; nor 
can we serve Him in the neglect of His ordinances; so we see that 
we are not at liberty to neglect any of those. And we have reason to 
believe, if we are willing to indulge ourselves in sin, or in any respect 
to neglect the duties of religion, that we are yet under sin, however 
highly we may endeavor to flatter ourselves to the contrary. I ndeed, 
we have.no right to claim the promises of the Gospel if we indulge 
in sin, and thus abuse our liberty. For our blessed Lord says, '"He 
that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth 
me." John xiv. 20. Again, ''If a man love me, he will keep my 
words ; and my Father will love him," &c. Thus, brethren, w r e see 
that although christians under the Gospel are freed from the cere- 
monies of the Jewish law, from the condemning power of the moral 
law, and have liberty to come to the throne of grace and plead the 
merits of their blessed High Priest, yet they have no liberty to neg- 
lect the ordinances of the Gospel, or to indulge in sin. Let them 
know that they are abusing christian liberty, wounding the cause of 
their blessed Redeemer, the feelings of their pious brethren, and are 
bringing darkness on their own minds, and must finally answer for 
such conduct to God. 

"And now, brethren, we commend you to God and to the Word 
of His grace," praying that He may give you grace to rightfully ap- 
preciate your liberty as christians. " Farewell ! 

Thomas Bomar. 
October 15 th. 1824. 



Brewton, Elder George was a pioneer minister and 
member of Friendship church, Spartanburg county, S. C, 
the oldest church in the Broad River Association. He ap- 
pears in 1805 as a delegate, and continued regularly as such 
until the year 1815. In the Minutes of that session we find 
the following entry : "It is with sorrow we have to announce 
the death of our venerable and worthy brother in Christ, 
Elder George Brewton, who was an humble christian, a pious 
minister, a nursing father in Zion, a good citizen, a loving 
husband, a tender parent, and a friend to the needy. We 
lament and are sensible of our loss, w T hile he rejoices in his 
great gain in the congregation that never breaks up." 

We find that in the year 1812 he was chosen to preside 
over the deliberations of the Association as Moderator, which 
circumstance we take as an evidence of his good standing in 
the esteem of his brethren. We are unable to learn any 
other particulars of his life. 



Blackwell, Elder John was an old pioneer minister, 
and was in the organization of the Broad River Association, 
beinsr a delegate from Green's Creek church, Rutherford 
35 



274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

county, N. C. The old brother was said to have been a Rev- 
olutionary soldier of the war of 1776. We find that he con- 
tinued to represent Green Creek church almost continuously 
to the year 1834, but his name appears in the Minutes 
marked as an absentee for several sessions previously. AVe 
suppose the infirmities of age prevented his attendance. 
According to the best information we can get, he died in 
that same year. His son, John Blackwell, was afterwards a 
deacon of Green's Creek church, and represented it as a del- 
egate, as did his tather before him, for several years. The 
old preacher is said to hrve been a good man, but not gifted. 



Brown, Elder W. L. is a native of Rutherford county, 
N. C, born about the year 1838. It appears from the Min- 
utes of the Broad River Association that he became a mem- 
ber of that body in the year 1870, he then being a delegate 
from Sulphur Springs church, in which connection he con- 
tinued until 1874, when he became a representative of Phil- 
adelphia church, and in 1876 he joined the Spartanburg 
Association, of wjaieh he is now 7 a worthy member. At the 
sessions of the Broad River Association in 1872-73, he was 
elected clerk of the body, and while a member thereof he 
filled various appointments on the different boards and com- 
mittees of the Association, evincing good business tact in 
the work of the body. 

Elder Brown intermarried with a worthy daughter of 
Deacon J. W. Montgomery, of the Sulphur Springs church, 
and had the pastoral care of that and some other churches 
of the Broad River Association until the Spartanburg body 
was organized. He is now pastor of the church at Gaffney 
City, on the Air-Line Railroad, and has recently received a 
call from the church at Statesville, Iredell county, K". C, 
which we are informed he accepts. Elder Brown is a good 
preacher and a zealous, *christian worker^ and by his ener- 
getic efforts for improvement he has greatly succeeded in 
overcoming the many disadvantages he has heretofore had 
to encounter in obtaining a better ministerial education. 
Being yet in the bloom and vigor of manhood, and his men- 
mi faculties vet bright and still more brightening, his nimie- 
rous friends are buoyant wiih the hopes of his great useful- 
ness in the great cause of the Master in which he is now 
engaged. May their hopes be fully realized ! 



Burgess, Elder Thomas was a native of Maryland, and 
previous to the organization of the Broad River Association 
had located in Spartanburg county, S. C, and become a 
member of Boiling Springs church, which church was then 
a member of the Bethel Association, and since dissolved. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 275 

While Elder Burgess was a member of this church it was ; 
with others, dismissed to join in the organization of the 
Broad River body, which, tradition says, took place at Sandy 
Run church in 1800. We have not been able to find any 
record of the proceedings of the convention that organized 
the Association, and incline to the opinion that the journal 
never was published at all. We find, however, from the 
published Minutes of the year 1801 (the session being held 
at Green's Creek church, in Rutherford county, N. 0.,j that 
Elder Burgess being a representative of Boiling Springs was 
in this session of 1801, and was chosen Moderator of the 
bod} 7 . He was probably a veteran in age, and being a man 
of exemplary piety was doubtless called to the chair as an 
act of courtesy, and he may very properly be called the father 
of the Broad River Association. Notwithstanding he was 
a veteran at this early period of the Association, yet he did 
not pass away for several years afterwards, for we find it re- 
corded in the Minutes that he preached the introductory 
sermon to the session of 1803, but after that we find no fur- 
ther account of him; he either died and went to his reward 
or removed without the bounds of the Association, which is 
most probable, as there is no notice of his demise on the 
face of the Minutes subsequently. 

In the session of 1802 he was appointed to write a cir- 
cular letter to the churches, on the growing evils and nature of 
the sin of intemperance. This fact is evidence that the body 
at that time held him in high esteem, and placed great reli- 
ance on his ability and the influence that he wielded among 
the churches and people, lie leaves behind him as a repre- 
sentative a great-grand-son, in the person of Elder W. E. 
Burgess, of Spartanburg county, S. C, who it is hoped will 
prove worthy of the pioneer ancestor. 

Burgess, Elder John E., of Brown's Chapel church, is 
a native of Spartanburg county, S. C. ; was born May 24th, 
1854. Is a son ot Darius Burgess, who is a grand-son of the 
old pioneer minister, Thomas Burgess, who presided as 
Moderator at the first session of the Broad River Association 
after its organization in 1800. 

Bro. John E. was a delegate to the Association first in 
1877 at Friendship church, having been converted in 1872, 
and baptized by Elder L. Vaughn into the fellowship of 
Brown's Chapel. In 1873 he was licensed to preach, being 
then a beneficiary of the Association, and striving to obtain 
an education. In 1875 he intermarried with Miss Carrie 
Grier, who proved to be an affectionate and useful helpmate 
— God's best gift to man. 

In 1876 he was ordained tq the full work of the Gospel 



276 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ministry by a presbytery, consisting of Elders J. G. Carter 
and L. Vaughn; and has since served Zion Hill, Cowpens, 
Camp's Creek, Macedonia, Mount Ararat, Gilead and Biv- 
ingsville churches, laboring in word and doctrine. 

Eider Burgess being only in the 29th year of his age, 
has a bright prospect of many years of usefulness in the 
Master's work. We hope the fond anticipations of his many 
friends may be realized, and that he as a worthy descendant 
of the worthy old pioneer may prove to be a' polished shaft 
in the Lord's quiver, and that he may accomplish much good 
amongst the churches of the Broad River Association. 



Bhidges, Elder James Monroe was born April 1st, 1847, 
in Cleveland county, K C. In 1868 married Miss M. E. 
Beam, who proves to be an affectionate helpmate in the toils 
of life. Joined the church at Beaver Dam and was baptized 
by Elder L. H. McSwain in 1872 ; licensed in 1873 and or- 
dained to the full Gospel ministry of the word in 1874. 
Elder Bridges is struggling to obtain an education, being 
now a student under Prof. King, of the Shelby High School ; 
is making improvements rapidly in his studies and in the 
ministry, and is now T an acceptable and popular preacher. 
He first entered the King's Mountain Association as a dele- 
gate in the session of 1872, and has continued to represent 
Double Springs church every year since. He is now in the 
36th year of his age, and in the enjoyment of fine health with 
bright prospects of future usefulness in the ministry. May 
his life be spared him, and the anticipations of his numerous 
christian friends be realized in his future labors of love. 



Byers, Elder Joseph appears to have been a Broad 
River Baptist minister in the year 1805. He probably emi- 
grated or died soon after that period, as we find nothing re- 
corded subsequently concerning him in the Minutes of the 
Association. He leaves many descendants now too young 
to communicate any information respecting their ancient 
pioneer ancestor, who was doubtless an able minister of the 
'New Testament in his day and time. 



Blythe, Elder Sion was a minister of the Broad River 
Association in the year 1805, and was probabl} 7 cut off from 
said body by the formation of the French Broad River Asso- 
ciation in 1807. Elder James Blythe, of Henderson county, 
N. C., is said to be a descendant of this pioneer Baptist min- 
ister. For the want of better information we can only make 
this mere mention of one who was doubtless a worthy min- 
ister of Christ. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 277 

Bankstonb, Elder John was a nioniberof Buck Creek 
church, in Spartanburg county, 8. 0., and represented that 
church in the session of the Broad River Association in the 
year 1808; and although we are unable to glean from the 
Minutes or any one living now, that he ever acted a very 
conspicuous part in the vineyard of the Lord, yet we arc 
assured of the fact, from the records of the Association, that 
he was a minister in good standing. Let bis name therefore 
be preserved for his work's sake, which was doubtless often 
acceptable. 

Bradshaw, Elder Fields was a member of Mount Ru- 
hama church, Burke county, N. C, and a delegate therefrom 
to the Broad River Association in 1823, and had served in 
several sessions previously as a licentiate. He continued in 
that connection until after the formation of the Catawba 
River Association in 1828, when his church was dismissed 
from the Broad River body to aid in that object. 

During the time that Elder Bradshaw remained in the 
Broad River, we notice that he preached the introductory 
sermon in 1824, and was recognized as a worthy minister. 
We have no other knowledge of him. 



Camp, Elder Joseph was one of the old pioneer minis- 
ters of the Broad River Association, and a native of the State 
of Maryland, the date of his birth unknown. Tradition has 
it that he organized the church at Buffalo, and became a con- 
stituent member thereof previous to the organization of the 
Association, and baptized Elders Drury Dobbins and Berry- 
man Hicks, two of the most prominent ministers afterwards 
in the Association. That previous to the formation of the 
Association in 1800, in which he bore a conspicuous parr, 
and just after Col. Carleton's defeat at Cowpens, in Spartan- 
burg county, S. C, by Gen. Morgan in January, 1781, Lord 
Cornwallis had him arrested with a view to the obtaining of 
information as to the whereabouts of Morgan, who was then 
en route to Gen. Greene's headquarters with the prisoners 
captured by him in the late battle, which Cornwallis was 
anxious to rescue. Elder Camp however was ignorant of 
the route taken by Morgan, who it is said found a private 
passway in the right direction, crossing First Broad River 
at Proctor's Ford, near the Present Zion church, and mov- 
ing rapidly in the direction of Greene's headquarters, then 
at Hillsboro, !N". C. ; he was thereby enabled to elude the 
British forces who were endeavoring to intercept him. The 
attempt of Cornwallis proving a failure, and Elder Camp 
being a non-combatant, was soon afterward set at liberty 
again, to attend to his ministerial and medical duties, for 



278 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

it is said that he rendered a great deal of service to the 
surrounding community as a physician or medical man as- 
well. 

Elder Camp was a member of the Association held at 
Green's Creek church in 18.03, as appears from the publish- 
ed Minutes of that session, being the first meeting of the 
body after its organization ; and it appears minuted that 
he with Elders Thomas Burgess and John Blackwell were 
appointed "to labor ministerially with the church at Cedar 
Springs," which at that time appears to have been "mis- 
sionary ground/'' notwithstanding it is now one of the most 
intelligent and pious churches in the bounds of the Broad 
River Association, and can point to such names as the 
Barnetts, Lancasters, Coopers,Underwoods, Finchs,"Walke/s r 
etc., etc., which will compare favorably with the member- 
ship of any of the churches in the Association, and is one 
among many other proofs of the power and efficacy of the 
Gospel. 

Elder Camp in 1802 prepared a circular letter, under 
the order of the Association, on the Duties and Obligations 
of Matrimony. And in 1804 he prepared another on Church 
Discipline. He is said to have been an able preacher for his 
day and time, but had only a limited education. He lived 
near the dividing line between the Carolinas, and his old 
homestead now belongs to H. F. Ramsour, Esq. , a worthy 
deacon of Buffalo church. About the year 1808 he emi- 
grated to Kentucky while pretty far advanced in life, and 
probably died there, but at what period of time we are not 
aware. lie had a son (John Camp) who became a preacher, 
and paid his Carolina relatives a visit some time after the 
demise of his father, and preached very acceptably to some 
of the churches who once took so. much pleasure in listening 
to the sermons of his ancestor. Elder Camp was respecta- 
bly connected, and has numerous relatives in Spartanburg 
county, S. C, and in Cleveland and Rutherford coun- 
ties, N. C. 

Carlton. Elder Ambrose was a worthy member of the 
Smyrna church, in Burke county, JST. C. Was one of the 
early pioneer ministers of the Broad River Association, and 
was a delegate in 1801. At the session of 1804 he was the 
preacher of the introductory sermon at Concord church, and 
in 1807 he prepared the circular letter on the Duties of Dea- 
cons. In 1814 the old veteran again preached the introduc- 
tory discourse before the session at Goucher Creek church, 
and prepared the circular letter to the churches, on the Gifts 
and Qualifications of a Gospel Minister. At the sessions of 
1805, 1808 and 1815 he was chosen to preside as Moderator 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 279 

over the deliberations of the Association, and at the session 
of 1816 he attended the session of the body at Sandy Run 
church, where its lirst session was held in 1800; and being 
well assured that he had arrived at the period of life when 
•"the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men 
shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they 
are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 
and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of 
the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the 
bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low ; 
also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and 
fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, 
and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail 
because man goeth to his long home." He affectionately 
took a final adieu of the Association, "to meet no more in 
time." We do not find any notice of the demise of Elder 
Carlton in the Minutes of the Broad River Association ; he 
probably survived the formation of the Catawba River body, 
which took place in 1828, and it would include Smyrna 
church, which held his membership. He had the reputation 
of being an able preacher and exemplary christian. 



Cantrell, Elder Isaac was a member of Buck Creek 
church, Spartanburg county, S. C, and was chosen a dele- 
gate to the Broad River Association in 1801. We are unable 
to find that he ever distinguished himself in any way as a 
Baptist minister; he was, however, one of the Broad River 
pioneer preachers, and w r as doubtless in the organization of 
the Association. As we find no mention of him subsequently 
he mav have emigrated or died soon after. Let his name be 
preserved and handed down to his descendants and the Bap- 
tist family, of which he was certainly an honorable member. 



Crocker, Elder Jacob was a native of Wake county, 
and was born near the city of Raleigh, N". C, elate unknown. 
He was one of the old Broad River pioneer preachers, and 
became a member first of State Line, then of El Bethel, and 
last of Pacolet church, in Spartanburg county, S. C. He 
became a prominent minister of the Association, and w'as 
twice chosen to preside over the deliberations of the body 
in the sessions of 1807 and 1819. Iu 1805 at French Broad 
church he preached the introductory sermon, and again in 
1819 he performed the same service at Head of Tyger River. 
Iu the session of 1823 he prepared the circular letter address- 
ed to the churches, on the manner in which a church of Christ 
should proceed in calling a pastor or supply. Soon after this he 
emigrated to Pickens county, Alabama, and died, having at- 
tained to a good old age. The following is the circular let- 



280 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ter referred to above, which we reproduce, because of its 
age and quaiutness of style.: 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The willingness with which you have received our former letters, 
and the satisfaction which you have expressed in what was contain- 
ed in them, together with a desire for your peace and happiness and 
the glory of God, are the motives, we trust, which induce us to- 
address you once more. 

We have felt ourselves at some loss for a subject, as almost every 
subject that could give information has already been touched on ; 
nevertheless we, as your council, feel ourselves bound to give you all 
the information and instruction that w T e are able to do. We shall 
address you this year on the manner in which a church of Christ 
should proceed in calling a pastor or supply. Secondly, shall say a 
few things relative to the ministers' qualifications. And thirdly,, 
the ministers' duty to the church. Fourthly, the church's duty to 
their pastor or supply. It will be necessary to say something re- 
specting a church, and what we are to understand by t|ie word church. 
A church is a distinct and separate body, called out of the world by 
Jesus Christ, who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling 
(2 Tim. i. 9;) and professing faith in Christ have given themselves 
to the Lord, and to one another, by the will of God ; to be governed 
by a proper discipline, agreeable to the Word of God. Some of the 
passages relative thereto we find in Phil. i. 2. "The church in thine 
house." Acts vii. 1. Church at Jerusalem, at Antioch, at Rome, 
Corinth, Philadelphia, Ephesus, Smyrna, &c. 

As God has been pleased to bless Eis people in the manner above 
described, we have no reason to doubt but that He will still afford 
them everything that shall be for their good and for His glory while 
on earth. A church of Christ being destitute of a pastor should, in 
the first place, be sensible of their destitute condition, and should 
remember that God has promised to hear their prayers and grant all 
their laudable requests ; they should converse freely together with 
a desire that God would direct them in the right way, not forgetting 
His promise that, "whatsoever they shall ask in Christ's name, He 
will give it." John xv. 16. Again, "ask and ye shall receive. John 
xvi. 24. 

A church should be unanimous in their choice of a minister, and 
should in some degree know the minds of the congregation in gen- 
eral, that their choice may be a blessing to these who are without. 
1 Tim. iii. 7. When the mind of the church is made up, of course it 
centres on one preacher (not on two or three;) then the church 
should make known their proceedings to the preacher, giving him 
a call, and at the same time requesting the church having his mem- 
bership to give him up. When these measures are taken by a church . 
and no striving one against the other — but all engaged in prayer — 
there is no reason to doubt but that God will give the preacher 
selected a proper weight of that people, and they will come together 
and be made a blessing to each other — although at the same time 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 281 

this church truiy have a preacher among them; yet they are not 
bound to have him as their pastor if he is not their choice. Churches 
too often ordain preachers for others that they would not be willing 
to have themselves, which cannot be very prudent on their part. 

Agreeable to our promise in the method first proposed, we shall 
in the second place say something relative to the call and qualifica- 
tions of a minister of the Gospel. From the information we have 
received from the Word of God, we have no right to believe that 
God sends unconverted men to preach the Gospel. A man must be 
a christian before he can properly be a Gospel minister; he must 
receive that call which Paul speaks of, 2 Tim. i. 9. "who hath saved 
and called us with an holy calling;" he must receive that faith 
which the Scriptures say is the gift of God. Eph. ii. 8. He must 
then receive an inward and special call from God, as was Aaron. 
Heb. v. 4. He must feel it impressed on his mind that a dispensation 
of the Gospel is committed unto him, and must feel something of 
the weight of that woe pronounced against all those who refuse to 
preach when God calls. He must have correct ideas of the plan of 
salvation through Christ. We think that a man with the above 
qualifications is one that God intends shall preach the Gospel, We 
are far from believing that God has sent all who bear the name of 
preachers. We see some who, if they have any correct views of 
Bible doctrine, have no gift to communicate it to others ; so that 
their attempts to preach are not acceptable to christians or sinners. 
We believe with Mr. Benedict in his history of the Baptists, where- 
in he says, "Churches are unfaithful with their members where a 
member would come forward under a notion that he was called to 
preach, after proving him until all were satisfied that he had no 
gift to preach, but rather than hurt his feelings they would set him 
forward." Some of us have seen something of the like nature, and 
also heard some give their reasons for ordaining one that had not 
the gift of preaching; one would say that he believed he was a chris- 
tian ; another would say he is a very orderly man, and another or 
third would say that he is sound in the faith ; while a fourth would 
say he is pious, and certainly means well. Every christian should 
have all these qualifications. But we ask, if these alone constitute 
a Gospel minister ? By no means. Some men are so anxious to 
preach, and so full of self-confidence, and not willing that any one 
should judge of their gifts but themselves, that they will continually 
be urging the church for license. When they succeed in this the 
next thing is ordination — continually complaining of their cramps. 
When they obtain this the next thing is the care of churches, and 
if the church to which they belong, or any other near them calls a 
pastor, they are affronted, because ir, was not themselves: A church 
should not be too hasty in ordaining preachers. Although they 
may have a promising gift, Paul says "lay hands suddenly on no 
man." Tim. v. 22. We have seen some of the bad effects of such 
hasty proceedings in churches. Some preachers think that when 
they are ordained they are equal with the Apostle Paul, for they 

36 



282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

break through the common rules of churches in running into the 
limits of others— opening a door, receiving and baptizing members 
without the approbation of the church. If you labor with them as 
to the propriety of so doing, they will tell you that Paul did so. 
Some need bits in their mouth to hold them back, whilst others 
need a spur to push them forward; and it is something of conse- 
quence for churches to know when to use these implements. 

Thirdly, the pastor's duty to his flock. He should remember 
that God has committed to him a great charge ; he should consider 
himself on Zion's wall, and that the Lord has set hini thereto watch 
for souls and feed the flock of God ; taking the oversight (1 Pet. v. 2,) 
to speak the things which become sound doctrine (Tit. ii. 1,) and 
study to show himself approved unto God. 1 Tim. ii. 15. He should 
make himself acquainted with that discipline which Christ has 
established, that he may under God afford the church every needful 
information ; he should pray to God to enable him to make use of 
arguments that might prove effectual in bringing sinners to Christ ; 
he should consider himself the servant of the church (2 Cor. iv. 5 ;) 
he should attend their stated meetings ; in a word, he should be 
ready to serve the people of his charge as far as he is able. 

We now come to the fourth and last thing promised, which was 
to say something relative to the duties of the church to their pastor^ 
First, thay should stand by him in all of his difficulties, bear up his 
hands by their prayers ; they should know those who labor among 
them, and are over them in the Lord, and esteem such very highly 
in love for their work's sake (1 Thes. v. 12, 13,) and should follow 
him as he follows Christ. And as he sows to them in spiritual things 
he should reap of their carnal things (1 Cor. ix. 11,) which, with a 
number of other passages, prove that it is the church's duty to sup- 
port their minister. But this with many other duties are too much 
neglected. Some people appear to think that preachers and their 
families can live on the empty air. Few are acquainted with the 
disadvantages and hardships that ministers and their families labor 
under. Some members never contribute anything — not even for the 
Lord's table— which is no doubt owing to deacons neglecting their 
dut3 T . But as our limits admonish us, we shall conclude, beseeching 
you, brethren, to remember your Lord and Master's words : "If ye 
love me, keep my commandments." John xiv. 15. Again, "Be 
watchful, and strengthen the things that remain that are ready to 
die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Rev. iii. 2. 

Now may the Lord strengthen, uphold, and help you to watch 
and pray always, live in love and peace, and the God of love and 
peace shall be with you. Farewell. Jacob Crocker. 

October 17th, 1823. 



Cansler, Elder Alexander Jacob was born May 26th, 
1825, in Lincoln county, N". C, was a son of Henry Cansler 
Esquire, who had formerly been sheriff of Lincoln county 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 283 

and several times a representative of the county in the State 
legislature. The son was prepared for college at Lincolnton, 
and graduated from the University of the State in the class 
of 1847. Me was intended by his father for the law, but in 
the providence of God was put under a good influence by 
the marriage, on Sept. 7th, 1847, of Miss Mary Ann Martin 
of Wilkes county, an amiable and accomplished lady and 
devoted christian. Suffice to say he was converted, and 
baptized by Elder Wade Hill, whom he afterwards recog- 
nized as his father in the Gospel. He joined the Baptist 
church of Christ at Salem near Lincolnton, and was appoint- 
ed by said church a delegate to the session of the Broad 
River Association, which convened at Buck Creek church, 
in 1850. He was then a layman, but was licensed to preach 
previous to the next meeting of the Association, and repre- 
sented the Salem church as a licentiate; and was continuously 
a delegate until he joined the King's Mountain Association 
in 1856. In that year he was appointed to write a circular 
letter to the churches in union "on the design of the Lord's 
Supper and the rightful recipients thereof" "Which was read 
before the next session of the King's Mountain body and 
adopted. The letter is a very elaborate and comprehensive 
document and worthy of presevation. 

Elder Cansler was an able expositor, and good preacher. 
Was a man of considerable bulk — inclining somewhat to 
corpulency — like all such, he possessed a great deal of hu- 
mor, and none seemed to enjoy with greater zest the hearty 
laugh, and usual hilarities peculiar to the annual meetings 
of the association, which was generally recognized as a pleas- 
ant reunion of the brethren of the different churches. 

Elder Cansler was of German descent, and like many 
of his ancestry of the "Fader land," he indulged too freely 
in the luxuries of the pipe. We think that ministers should 
be "ensamples to the flock" in all good things, and be care- 
ful not to set bad examples, for greater the man greater the 
precedent. And we know that the excessive use of tobacco 
is an evil. 

After publishing a newspaper in Shelby for a time, El- 
der Cansler removed to Arkansas, and died there, February 
24th, 1872. His diary shows that he baptized three thou- 
sand persons during his ministry. While belonging to the 
Broad River Association in 1853, he was elected clerk, and 
in 1854, was appointed to write a circular letter, addressed 
to theseveral'churches in union on the Fellowship of Churches, 
which letter we reproduce as follows: 

Dear Brethren :— The Almighty, in His kind providence, has 
seen fit to permit us to assemble in an associate capacity at the place 



2<4 BIOGRAPHICAL- SKETCHES. 

appointed at our last annual session to attend to the business that 
may come before us, which should be done with an eye single to the 
glory of God. Through grace our heavenly Father has seen fit to 
extend to us a liberal share of His blessings, health and prosperity, 
and above all a glorious hope of joy and peace, for which let us ask 
for hearts of gratitude to Him from whom all our blessings come. 

According to appointment it becomes our duty to call your atten- 
tion through this, our annual letter, to the subject of the Fellowship 
of Churches. A christian church, viewed as an organized body, is 
a peculiar institution. The character of its members and the princi- 
ples of their union — the powers and mode of exercise — its organiza- 
tion and design — are all peculiar to itself— the church of Christ. 

Every organization involves certain principles on which its ex- 
istence depends, by the performance of which it becomes an inde^ 
pendent body. Governments are founded on principles peculiar to 
their nature. All kinds of societies, whether formed for the mutual 
improvement of each other in science, literature, or for any other 
purpose, are constituted on principles peculiar to the objects in view. 
So is the church of God Though differing from all others, yet is 
constituted on the principles laid down in the word of God, which 
are peculiar to the churches of God. 

The English word Church was according to the best authority 
derived from "Ruriakon," in the Greek language, which signifies 
''belonging to the Lord." It is not used in the English version of 
the Old Testament, but often in the New, as a translation of the 
Greek word "ecclesia," — the primary meaning is an assembly or a 
congregation, called together for any purpose. By examination you 
will find that this word occurs three times in Acts xix , where it is 
used to designate the tumultuous gatherings at Ephesus, and is 
translated assembly. Jn Acts vii. 38 it is rendered by the word 
church, where it clearly refers to the whole body of the Israelites. 
With these and a few others, "ecclesia" is uniformly translated 
church in the New Testament. The prevailing use of the word is 
to denote a company of christians. In a few instances it is used to 
include all believers. As we have shown the primary meaning of 
'ecclesia 7 ' is church, a select assembly or congregation, being in its 
nature limited to a local company is, in the New Testament, the 
distinguishing term applied to a company of believers in Christ. 

As it has been shown that the word church is an assembly of 
believers in Christ, we might here add baptized (immersed) believers, 
and as such we recognize nothing but the Old and New Testaments 
as a rule of our faith and practice. The instructions of our Savior 
and His Apostles, illustrated by the practice of the apostolic churches, 
as recorded in the New Testament, comprise the standing law — the 
rule— and the authoritative examples to christians, ministers and 
churches, through all subsequent ages. The churched formed under 
the ministry of the Apostles are the models after which all others 
should be formed. 

True churches are composed of those who have repented of their 
sins and found peace with God, and have been baptized. This order 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 28o 

<of the Gospel is a matter of no small importance, though it is almost 
■entirely set aside by the presumed superior judgment of the many 
Pedo-Baptist Societies. Christ, our blessed Savior, intended that 
His kingdom should be a spiritual one, and in order that He might 
be received by those of like faith when He came on earth, God sent 
Johu the Baptist to the land of Judea to prepare a way or people for 
his reception, and in accordance with His direction He came crying, 
'•Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand;" and those that be- 
lieve or confess their sins were baptized. The primitive churches were 
formed of believers only. The three thousand persons who, on the 
day of pentacost gladly received the Word, became disciples of 
Christ— "continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellow- 
ship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers," and all that believed 
were together. . "The Lord added to the church daily such as should 
be saved." The churches are always addressed by the Apostles as 
composed of saints only. "Paul unto the church of God which is at 
Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be 
saints." Similar addresses were made to the saints at Phillipi ; unto 
the church of the Thessalonians by Peter, in his general epistles ; by 
James, and many others. Our Savior warned His ministers and 
His people not to receive into church membership nor to the privi- 
leges and ordinances of His house unsanctified persons, who live 
•devotedly to worldly appetites. "Give not that which is holy to 
dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample 
them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." The history 
of all bodies who have violated this, prove that such warning is 
needed. Baptized unbelievers are aptly compared to dogs and swine: 
they have not only trampled church privileges under their feet, but 
have rent asunder the people of God more than ail the un baptized 
infidels and pagans together. 

They are not only to be believers, but they are to be baptized be- 
lievers, as a pledge of their faith in Christ — as a symbol of their spir- 
itual change — previous to their becoming members of the church. 
The proof on this point is so abundant and plain that those who 
earnestly seek to find out their duty will be led to follow their Savior 
in the liquid grave. 

A church composed of baptized believers, who have been regu- 
larly constituted with the proper officers, are fully j>repared to dis- 
charge the duties enjoined upon it; The officers, like the ordinances 
of the Gospel, are plain and few ; there are but two— a minister or 
bishop, and deacon ; and no church is properly in order until equip- 
ped with officers; and the duties of each of these officers is plainly 
pointed out and laid down within the lids of the New Testament. 
Though a church may be composed of believers, and have the proper 
officers, yet they may be very far from being entitled to the name 
of an apostolic church ; for they may be unsound in doctrine, which 
is altogether essential. The Baptist church at this time is entirely 
too much divided on doctrine. Some of our brethren have stopped 
Zion's progress by their iron-hearted notions of Anti-Nomianism, 
whilst others have fallen into the loose notions of Arminianism. 



2H6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Upon these points our officers, especially deacons, should be wefl 
versed, in order that they may keep the church clear of these as welB 
as all other unsound doctrines and practices. A church composed 
of believers, all guided by the same spirit, all looking for the same 
reward, all standing in their proper places around tkfe camps of 
Israel, is the most delightful sight the eye of man ever beheld ; truly 
it is "a quiet habitation." 

Having seen that each church is formed of believers, whose 
rights are equal by a voluntary compact, in virtue of which they 
were endowed with equal power, that one church is neither superior 
nor inferior to another in pow T er and authority, as all the authority 
comes directly from the Savior, and not from or through any chnrch 
or churches ; each body is separately accountable to Him for the use 
or abuse of power. A suitable number of disciples for a good cause, 
and in proper order, may form themselves into a church by mutual 
covenant, and exercise properly the highest ecclesiastical power, 
without being connected with or dependent upon any other church. 

It is sometimes supposed that an association of churches by their 
representatives in an Association, Synod, Conference, Presbytery or 
Convention has more power than an individual church ; but instead 
of this, they have no church power at all. They have no right to 
receive or expel a single member from any church, or to dictate in 
the least degree in respect to the doctrine, discipline, or fellowship 
of any church. An Association, Convention, &C, has the power to 
say who shall be associated with them in their deliberations, but no 
farther can they go. If such were the facts it would deprive the 
Baptist church of the boasted principle of republicanism ; i. e., all 
power rests with the people, and it would run our church into the 
parent error of high church doctrines, of prelacy and Popery, as well 
as every other form of ecclesiastical intolerance, with all its train of 
evils. The real bond of union in a church is love. It was love that 
drew the members together —it is love that holds them in union. 
This is the element in which they should live and act as a church. 
The Savior knew full well the principles of church order, and gov- 
ernment could not be carried into practice without love, and that 
directed by knowledge ; nor any other church form of government ; 
indeed, without love there is no church at all. When He was in the 
act of departing from His disciples, who were at an early period to 
be formed into a church without His visible presence, He remarked 
to them, ''This is my commandment, that ye love one another." St. 
Paul, to the church at Corinth, said: "Let all things be done in 
charity." "Let brotherly love continue." 

There is therefore no necessary bond of union between individ- 
ual members, nor between different churches, but fraternal love. In 
the exercise of this grace it was customary for primitive churches to 
assist each other by pecuniary aid — by furnishing teachers, and by 
advice in difficulty. The modern plan of forming associations of 
churches, for cultivation of acquaintance and mutual love, and for 
more unity of effort in the cause of human salvation, while the inde- 
pendence of each church is recognized. It is in perfect accordance 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 287 

With this principle, and is of obvious utility. The only object our 
church could seek any form of union with others, is that of doing 
them good, or, in connection with them, doing good to the world— 
in design, in spirit, in doctrine, in love, in their purposes and de- 
sires ; the different churches are one — in visible organization, many. 
And therefore what is injurious to one, is to all. The co-operations 
mentioned in Scripture are : 

1st. Sending spiritual teachers to assist each other. Such were 
sent by the church in Jerusalem to the church at Antioch. Acts xL 
27 ; xviii. 26. 

2nd. To administer to each other's temporal necessities. 1 Cor. 
xvi, 1 — 3 ; Rom. xv. 26. 

3rd. Affording each other advice and assistance in cases of divis- 
ions and contentions, by which the quiet of the church is aroused 
and its prosperity endangered. An example of this kind is recorded 
in Acts xv. in regard to a very important question of doctrine and 
discipline. 

4th. In the spread of the Gospel, this is one of the principal ob- 
jects of the church militant, and as churches are generally unable 
to carry on the work separately, a unity of action is necessary. We 
find that the church at Antioch first engaged as a church in the 
work (Acts xiii. 2, 3,) and that Paul and Barnabas, as well as others, 
received their support in part from other churches. 2 Cor. xi. 8 ; xii- 
13 — 18 ; Phil. vi. 10 — 18. Persecution was enraged to such a height 
against the primitive churches that they did little else than establish 
the principle. From these and many other points that might be 
brought to bear, we see that churches sustain to each other most 
sacred and endearing relations. The separate independence of 
churches is no barrier to their cordial extension and useful co-opera- 
tion, and should never be so regarded ; but on the contrary is an 
argument in favor of such co-operation, for no service is as pleasant 
and profitable as those voluntarily given. So that were ten thousand 
churches formed on these principles, to act consistently with their 
obvious design, they would, for all the purposes of their existence, 
be as truly one church as they possibly could be, if consolidated into 
one organized body under the oversightof a bench of Prelates or Popes, 

May the blessings of Heaven smile upon all in our union. May 
He guide us into a proper discharge of all our duties, individually 
and collectively, and eventually save us with an everlasting salva- 
tion, is the prayer of your unworthy servant A. J. Cansler. 
October 13th, 1854. 

Campbell, Elder Thomas Jefferson was born in Am- 
herst county, Virginia, November 15th, 1821. Moved to 
North Carolina, and was converted soon after and baptized 
by Elder S. Morgan, in 1841. In 1857 married Mrs. Eliza- 
beth J. Hicks, nee Elizabeth J. Simmons. He was an or- 
dained minister and delegate from Corinth church, of the 
Broad River Association, at the session of 1850, at Buck 



288 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Creek church, and served in that capacity several sessions 
afterward. He is now a member of Bethel church, of the 
King's Mountain Association. 

Elder Campbell is a good pious brother, and although 
he does not do a great amount of ministerial labor, is yet an 
orthodox and useful worker in the Lord's vineyard. He is 
of Scotch-Irish descent, red haired, and of small stature, and 
a relative of the celebrated Col. William Campbell, who dis- 
tinguished himself as chief in command at the battle of 
King's Mountain in 1780. 



Carlton, Elder Thomas w 7 as a native of Burke county, 
N. C; born about 1802, and a son of the. old pioneer, Am- 
brose Carlton, who figured in the organization of the Broad 
River Association. Thomas Carlton appears to have been 
a member of Smyrna church, as had his father been before 
him. He is minuted as having been a lay delegate from 
Smyrna in the sessions of the Broad River of 1822-'23-'24~ 
'25-'26. In 1828 the Catawba River Association was formed 
and the Smyrna church became a constituent member, which 
isolated brother Carlton from the Broad River body. After 
he became a member of the Catawba River he was ordained 
to the full work of the Gospel ministry, and since the organ- 
ization of the King's Mountain Association he has several 
times appeared in that body as a corresponding messenger 
from his own association, and has preached very acceptabl}' 
for the King's Mountain. Elder Carlton is a small lame 
man, and moves about with much difficulty on crutches: but 
as a preacher he ranks high, and no one possesses more po- 
liteness, or better social qualities. We always felt glad at 
the coining of Brother Carlton, at the annual sessions of the 
Association ; but as it has now been several years since we 
have had the pleasure of seeing his face, or heard any thing 
from him, we presume he has crossed over the river, and is 
now basking under the shade of the trees of Paradise. He 
served frequently as Moderator of the Catawba River Asso- 
ciation. 



Carpenter, Elder Daniel-Is a native of Lincoln, (now 
Cleveland) county, N. C. Date of birth unknown to writer. 
He was licensed to preach in 1858, and ordained to the full 
work of the ministry in 1859, by the St. John's church, and 
thereby became a minister of the King's Mountain Associa- 
tion. In 1862, he transferred his membership to New Pros- 
pect church, and was a delegate from that church to the ses- 
sions of the Association of 1862 and 1863. He has since 
removed within the hounds of the Catawba River Associa- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 289 

tion, and is now a member of that bod}?. Elder Carpenter 
is a well meaning man of moderate preaching talents. 
There's a work for all to do. 



Carter, Elder John Gaston was born in Chester 
county, S. C, July 31st, 1822, and lived in said county until 
he was about eighteen years of age, his father having died 
in 1836. His mother some years after moved to Union 
county, and on the 17th of September, 1840, the subject of 
this sketch was converted to God, and at that period of time, 
by reason of having had no school opportunities, he was un- 
able to read the New Testament. He was at the time living 
with a Methodist family, and soon after joined the Methodist 
Episcopal church. JSTot being able to read, he became dis- 
satisfied, and doubted whether he had been baptized accord- 
ing to the requirements of the Scriptures. He had never as 
yet attended school, but had acquired a knowledge of the 
alphabet and could spell a little ; he became a laborious stu- 
dent, and began to try to put words together, so that he 
could read. Having made this much progress, and yet hav- 
ing no school opportunities, he procured a Bible, and when 
an opportunity was afforded him would go to a silent grove 
somewhere, and upon his knees ask God to assist him in his 
efforts to learn to read, and also to understand the subject 
matter of his lessons. He continued thus in the use of 
such means as he had, and in the course of six months 
he read (after a fashion) the entire New Testament. Having 
done this he became satisfied that his doubts in regard to 
baptism were well founded ; that anything short of immer- 
sion was a mere mockery or substitute. Viewing matters in 
this light, he was never received into full fellowship in the 
Methodist church, but began to cast about for a more suita- 
ble and satisfactory connection with a different sect or de- 
nomination of christians, and for reasons satisfactory to 
himself he was soon baptized into the fellowship of the Cane 
Creek Baptist church, in Union county, S. C, by Elder D. 
Duncan, on the 18th July, 1842. 

Soon after he joined the Baptist church he began to 
have strong impressions of mind that there was a work 
for him to do in calling on sinners to repenx, but being 
illiterate and grossly ignorant, as he conceived himself then 
to be, he ran from them for years, endeavoring all the time 
to dismiss such thoughts from his mind. 

On the 27th of April, 1846, he no doubt, through the 
providence of God, intermarried with Miss Mary C. Page, 
of Union county, S. C, a lady of not only estimable quali- 
ties of head and heart, but possessing a good English edu- 
37 



2M BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

cation. As a matter of course she at once rendered all the 
service she could in giving literary instruction to her hus- 
band, who was anxious to acquire all that was obtainable; 
and as the good work of literary training progressed, the 
more weighty became the impressions on his mind to preach 
the Gospel. He however still resisted these impulses, be- 
lieving the work to be of such magnitude that he would 
make an utter failure. Time after time he was afflicted, 
and felt the rod of correction. He began to make pledges 
and promises, w T hich he invariably broke, until the Lord 
saw n't to take from him his little son, the idol of his heart : 
then it was that he felt more sensibly the stroke, and began- 
to think of Jonah's disobedience. In the silent grove upon 
his knees he cried from the depths of his soul, "Lord, I sur- 
render ! What wilt thou have me to do V -Then and there 
his duty was made plain to him, and he made known to the. 
brotherhood his grief of mind and the resolve that he had 
made. On the 1st December, '60, he was licensed to preach 
the unsearchable riches of Christ, and the next year supplied 
two churches — Duckpen and Lower Fair Forest. During 
the year several requests were sent to his church asking 
for his ordination, which, however, he opposed vehemently, 
believing that he ought not to be ordained. Suffice it to say, 
he was overruled, and a presbytery w r as called on the 2d of 
August, 1862, consisting of deacons from Unionville, Duck- 
pen, Lower Fair Forest, Hebron, and deal's Creek, who, 
together with Elders J. G. Kindrick and John Gibbs, pro- 
ceeded to examine aud set apart Elder Carter to the regular 
work of the ministry, he then being a member of Unity 
church, Union county, S. C. 

For fifteen years he has supplied four churches. He 
served as missionary one year uncler the direction of the Ex- 
ecutive Board of the Bethel Association, and has clone a good 
deal of missionary work in the Broad River Association, 
having become a member of that body in 1870, then one of 
the delegates from Goucher Creek church, and has continued 
uninterruptedly a member at every annual session since. At 
the sessions of 1875-'76 and '79 he was chosen Moderator 
of the body, which we take as evidence of his good standing 
in the Association. 

We have heard Elder Carter preach the Gospel several 
tiroes, and feel that we would be doing him injustice were 
we to say that he was not "a workman that needeth not to 
be ashamed rightly dividing the word of Truth, and giving 
to each hearer his portion in due season." 

Bro. Carter's first wife died July 18th, 1866, from whom 
he received the principal part of his scholastic training, never 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 291 

having attended sehool longer than three months during his 
life. How sad to think of the loss of so great a benefactor ! 
On the 26th November, 1868, he married Miss Lucinda 
B riant, with whom he now lives in tender affection. 

At the session of the Broad River Association of 1875 
Elder Carter was appointed to write the Circular Letter to 
be read before the next meeting, and as he made choice of 
the Final Perseverance of the Saints, as a subject, we have 
thought proper to reproduce the letter in this work, which 
is as follows; 
To the Brethren of the Broad River Association : 

As there was no subject assigned me by your body, I have there- 
fore chosen as a subject for the annual circular letter, the Final Per- 
severance of the Saints. I am not one who believes that every act of 
men is a decree of God, yet, at the same time, I believe that God sees 
the end from the beginning. This subject is intimately connected 
with the assurance of salvation, for if true believers may lose their 
faith and totally and finally fall, there can be no such thing as assu- 
rance of salvation. A person may know that he is a child of God, 
and at the present time free from all condemnation, but upon this 
ground he cannot possibly be assured that he will continue in this 
happy state. In the exercise of his own free will he may depart 
from God, renounce Christ, and become reprobate, if this doctrine 
be admitted that all saints are liable to apostatize, and that there is 
no such thing promised as the grace of perseverance. Then Paul's 
declaration, in which he expresses the fullest confidence that he 
should possess a crown of life, must be understood conditionally, 
provided he should persevere unto the end. And in the same man- 
ner we must construe those triumphant expressions at the end of the 
viii. chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans : "For I am persuaded 
that neither life nor death, nor angels, nor principalities, nor pow- 
ers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, 
nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of 
God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

According to this theory we must understand the Apostle to 
mean that if he continued in faith, none of these things would be 
able to separate him from the love of God, which was in Christ Jesus. 
But who knows whether Paul did persevere to the end? Who 
knows but what his faith failed in the last extremity? We have 
no account in the New Testament of the circumstances of his death. 
If the standing of believers depends on themselves, it would not be 
surprising that any one should be overcome by temptation, and 
should finally fall from a state of grace. It is possible then that all 
the apostles might have fallen away in time of persecution ; for 
although Christ promised to go and prepare a place for them, and 
that they should sit on thrones, yet all this must be understood on 
condition that they persevere to the^end. 

Those who maintain that all true believers will persevere to the 
end, do not ground their opinion on any ability which any of them 



292 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

possess within themselves to stand ; but, if left to themselves, they 
believe that all of them would be sure to apostatize and lose the atti i- 
bute ot perseverance in grace, as they do the conversion of the soul 
to the love of God. They believe that the same power which brings 
the soul from death to life is able to preserve it in life, and that the 
gifts and callings of God are without repentance — that is, without 
change of purpose. 

Again, believers are intimately and spiritually united to Christ, 
so as to be members of His mystical body, and as by virtue of this 
union they receive continual supplies of grace and strength as they 
need these blessings ; they are of the opinion that Christ, the Head, 
will never suffer any member actually united to Him to be severed 
from His body and perish forever. Surely the Spirit of all grace 
which dwells in believers is sufficient to keep up that spiritual life 
which God has generated in them, and is also able to keep them from 
the danger of apostacy ; and if God is able to do this, He will do it ; 
for whom He loves, He loves to the end. Those whose names were 
written in the Lamb's book of life before the foundation of the world 
will at last reach heaven. The kingdom which the saints shall in- 
herit was prepared for them from the foundation of the world. The 
Apostle Paul was confident that he who had begun a good work 
among the Philipians would perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 
Can it be believed that the same love and power which effectually 
call believers from death in sin will not preserve them in a state of 
spiritual life? When it was commenced, in the days of the Apostle, 
there were many apostates, but John, in his first epistle, clearly 
teaches that such never had been sincere christians. "They went 
out from us, but they werenotof us ; but thej?" went out that it might 
be made manifest that they were not all of us." And the Apostle 
Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, treating of the success of here- 
tics in subverting the faith of some and seducing them to embrace 
false doctrines will, by no means, agree that these persons or their 
teachers, who were thus led astray, had ever belonged to the foun- 
dation of God, or were among His approved people. For he says, 
"Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this 
seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His. 

But it is said by the advocates of this doctrine, that though 
God will not forsake His people, yet they may forsake Him, and 
that the promises are made to the people of God; but when they 
cease to be His people they cut themselves off from the blessings of 
the covenant of grace, which are all conditional and made to believ- 
ers. Now w~e admit that if any should cease to believe they would 
thus be cut off; but what we maintain is, that the believers in faith 
shall never fail. If God has made promises to this effect, then they 
are safe. 

Well, we know that He did, by His intercessions, keep Peter's 
faith from utterly failing, for He said, "I have prayed for thee that 
thy faith fail not." And His intercession was not only for Peter and 
the Apostles, but for all who should, through these, believe on His 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. £93 

name. And in Jer. xxxii. 40, we find a promise and covenant to 
which God engages to keep His people from falling : "Audi will 
make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away 
from them to do them good." This seems to be a very full promise 
and covenant in all things, well ordered and sure. But this is not 
all : He immediately adds, "And I will put my fear in their hearts, 
that they shall not depart from me ;" and this seems to be implied 
when He promised, "I will put my laws in their minds and write 
them in their hearts." In the 10th chapter of our Lord's Gospel by 
John, He speaks of Himself as the "good shepherd," and He gives 
as the chief characteristic of a good shepherd, that He loves the 
sheep ; and in His own case His love was so great that He was will- 
ing to "lay down His life for the sheep ;" and He informs us that 
those wdio were truly of the number of His sheep would "hear His 
voice and follow Him ;" while a stranger, thev would not follow. 
His attention to them as their shepherd was so kind and compas- 
sionate that He calls each one by name, and goes before them and 
leads them in the right way. From this description it might be in- 
ferred that Christ would not forsake them on whom He had set His 
love, and that He never would suffer His enemy to carry them off. 
Those persons who were specially the purchase of His blood and His 
dying agonies He would certainly be disposedto save from perdition. 
There can be no doubt of the desire of the Great Shepherd that these 
objects of His love, and for whom He had paid a price above all esti- 
mation, should not perish. But we are not left to our own infer- 
ences on this subject : our blessed Lord has anticipated our conclu- 
sions by His clear and positive declarations, and His gracious Word 
•should never be forgotten : "My sheep hear my voice, and they 
know me and follow me, and I give to them eternal life and they 
shall never perish ; neither shall any man pluck them out of my 
hands. My Father which gave them me is greater than all, and no 
man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." 

I do not know how the doctrine of the saints' perseverance could 
be expressed in stronger language. It must be evident that if God is 
able to keep them from perishing, they will be saved. Who will 
dare to call in question the ability of Christ and His Father to pre- 
serve whom He will, from apostolizing ? Surely God is able to cause 
the weakest of them to stand. Suppose the contrary, — suppose that 
one of these, given by the Father to His only begotten Son, to be 
redeemed, should be owned by Satan, the enemy of God and His 
people, and should perish eternally, what a dishonor to God ! And 
what a triumph to the adversary ! Shall it ever be said in the world 
of woe — here is one of the beloved of God — one especially given to 
the Son— one purchased with the blood of Christ — one raised from 
the death of sin by the power of His spirit — one that heard His 
voice, loved and followed him ? Is such an one to be eternally lost? 
Is the Savior not able to preserve his soul from falling under the 
power of temptation ? Satan, in this contest, gained the victory, and 
tore away one of Christ's beloved sheep, dismembered His mystical 



294 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

body ! for this soul now damned was once a member of the body of 
Christ ! Can you believe this? Does not this argument convince 
you that such a thing as this can never occur ? 

Again, does not Christ appear in heaven as the advocate of His 
people? and does not the Father hear Him always? and shall not 
His intercessions be effectual to obtain persevering grace for all those 
whose cases He pleads ? For He is able to save unto the uttermost 
all that come unto God by Him, seeing that He ever liveth to make 
intercession for them. It is the continual intercession of Christ 
which preserves His disciples from falling totally and finally. Peter, 
in self-confidence, fell into an error, and had he been left to himself 
the devil would have triumphed in that case. The Lord meant to 
show Peter that he, left to himself, was nothing but Peter, and there 
was no confidence to be put in the flesh. We believe that Christ in- 
tercedes for believers as He does not for others. We learn from that 
remarkable intercessory prayer which He offered before He left the 
world : "I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast 
given me, for they are thine, and all mine are thine, and thine are 
mine, and I am glorified in them. While I was in the world I kept 
them in thy name. Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and 
none of them are lost except the son of perdition." 

Those who oppose this doctrine think that in this last clause the 
strength of the argument drawn from the passage is destroyed, and 
that as Judas was one of those given to Christ by the Father, and he 
perished, therefore all believers may eternally perish. But can any 
impartial, intelligent christian believe that Judas was really included 
in the number of those given to Christ by His Father, and for whom 
He prayed ? This construction would not only be dishonorable to 
Christ, but it would destroy the force and consistency of what Christ 
uttered in this remarkable prayer. If Christ prayed not for the 
world, how came He to pray for Judas, who was a thief and covet- 
ous from the time of his first becoming an apostle ? Christ had per- 
fect knowledge of his hypocrisy, and if He specially prayed for him 
as He did for the other disciples, how came it to pass that this prayer 
in his case was ineffectual? And if His special intercession may be 
ineffectual, what solid ground have we to trust in H im,and why was 
it declared that "he hears him always?" It is hard to believe that 
those whose names were written in the Lamb's book of iife before 
the foundation of the w T orld shall utterly and eternally fall away and 
be lost. It is indeed promised to the saints of the church of Sardis 
that their names shall not be blotted out of the book of life, and it 
is reasonable to think that the same promise is applicable to all true 
believers. If these names might be blotted out, there would be no 
great cause of rejoicing that they were "written in heaven." But 
our Lord teaches His disciples to rejoice in this above all things. In 
Luke x. 20, it is said that "if any one shall take away from the 
words of this prophecy, God will take away His part out of the book 
of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things written in this 
Book." In Revelations xxii. 19, the meaning is not that such a per- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 295 

•son ever had any part in this Book, but that he never shall have it. 
It is nor staled that the names of such persons ever were written in 
the Book, but it is declared that it is a privilege of which they never 
shall partake. 

This doctrine has been opposed on the principle that the belief 
-of it tends to breed presumption and to encourage negligence in 
working out our salvation. We do not deny that the doctrine has 
not been abused by unholy men, but what doctrine may not be 
abused ? Certainly none more than the love and mercy of God, 
In answer to this objection we would say that our doctrine is the 
perseverance of the saints in faith and holiness. Just so far as any 
professor fails in the exercise of faith and practice, he loses the evi- 
dence that he is a true christian. According to this view of the 
subject he never can persuade himself that he will persevere unless 
he is in the exercise of grace, without which he cannot possess the 
evidence of being a true believer. 

It is acknowledged that there are some texts of Scripture which, 
viewed separately, seem to teach that true believers may fall from a 
state of grace. But the doctrine is so contrary to the great princi- 
ples of the covenant of grace that such an interpretation of any text 
as would favor it cannot consistently, with the analogy of divine 
truth be admitted. We must compare Scripture with Scripture, and 
thus try to ascertain the mind of the Spirit, for there is no instance 
in the Scriptures of the final fall of real saints. To such professors 
as will be found at the left hand of the Judge at the last day it will 
be said, however great their gifts or high their privileges have been, 
■"depart from me ye workers of iniquity for I never knew you." 
Have we not God's word for it, that His eyes are upon the righteous 
and his ears ever open to their cries. Certain persons who make 
profession are represented by the seed which fell on stoney ground, 
.and heard the word with joy and for a season gave pleasing evidence 
of piety, but having no root in themselves, in the time of temptation, 
fall away — and to the above cases we may add those who, in apos- 
tolic times, received the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, for they 
were not conferred only on real christians, as we know from the case 
•of Judas, and from the accounts given by our Lord, of theplea which 
will be made by some whom He will condemn at the last day. They 
are represented as saying "have we not in thy name cast out devils, 
and done many wonderful works." Combine these two last cases 
and you have a satisfactory explanation of the characters of thosede- 
scribed in the vi. chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. 

In all ages of the church there are persons who greatly resemble 
true saints, not only in outward profession, but who have feelingsand 
exercises which are well devised counterfeits of the genuine piety of 
the heart. But sure it can never be said that one of those who were 
•chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, and in time ef- 
fectually called and united to Christ so as to become living members 
of His mystical body, and whose sins He bore on the cross, and to 
whom He has promised the constant indwelling of His Spirit, and 



206 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

whose names are written in the book of life, should finally be lost. 
The enemy of God and man shall never, in the dark dominion over 
which he reigns, have it in his power to boast triumphantly that he 
has plucked from the hands of the Great Shepherd, one of the dear 
lambs of His flock. No, the children of God, cannot be deceived to 
their ruin. Those whose names are written in the book of life shall 
not be cast into outer darkness; they shall never perish. 

J. G. Carter. 



Cobb, Elder Needham B. has been for a time a member 
of the Broad River and King's Mountain Associations. In 
1871 he represented Shelby church in the session of the 
Broad River Association of that year, held at Philadelphia 
church, Spartanburg county, S. C. At that session the 
Shelby church was dismissed, and afterwards joined the 
King's Mountain Asssociation in 1872, when Elder Cobb 
was again a delegate from the Shelby church, in the session 
of the latter body of that year. 

We copy from Dr. Cathcart's Baptist Encyclopedia a 
notice of Elder N. B. Cobb. "He was born in Wayne coun- 
ty, K C., Feb. 1st, 1836; graduated at Chapel Hill at eigh- 
teen, in 1854; taught school in Cabarrus county and Golds- 
borough till 1857, when he read law with Chief Justice 
Pearson, and practiced in Pitt, Wayne and Green counties 
till October, 1859, when he left the Episcopal church, in 
which he had been a vestryman for several years, and was 
baptized by Rev. H. Petty, and ordained in Wilson in I860, 
the Presbytery consisting of Revs. Levi Thorne, I. B. Solo- 
mon, H. Petty, G. W. Keene, W. C. Lacy and J. G. Barclay. 
Mr. Cobb was chaplain of the 4th N. C. Regiment for a 
time, and rendered distinguished service to the cause of reli- 
gion as superintendent of army colportage from 1862 till the 
close of the war. After the war ended Mr. Cobb in connec- 
tion with Dr. J. D. Hurham, edited the Daily Record, of 
Raleigh, for six months; he then became corresponding sec- 
retary of the Sunday School board, and has since served as 
pastor of the churches of Elizabeth City, Second Church of 
Portsmouth, Va., Shelby, K. C, Lilesville, Rockingham, 
and Fayetteville, and has taught much in connection with 
preaching. Mr. Cobb is the Baptist statistician of N. C, 
and at present the president of the Baptist State Convention. 

Elder Cobb is like Zaccheus of old, "little in stature ," but 
he is a man of large and well developed mind; and besides 
preaching good sermons, he writes many good essays, both 
in prose and poetry. We take the liberty to reproduce 
one of his poems in this work, as a souvenir, which will 
probably be read with a degree of interest, coming as it 
does from the pen of our Bro. Cobb. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 297 

"Full many a gem of purest ray serene, 

The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear ; 
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen 

And waste its sweetness. on the desert air. 

— Gray 's Elegy. 

No ocean "gem of ray serene" 

Is planted on the deep to perish there ; 
No flower on earth is "born to blush unseen 

And waste its sweetness on the desert air." 

The eye of man may ne'er behold that gem, 
"The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear," 

His keenest sense ne'er note the sweet perfume 
That rose distils upon the desert air. 

Still not one sparkle of that gem is lost, 
And not one breath of fragrance from the rose, 

For round about them are a countless host, 
Who in their splendor revel or repose. 

Those "dark unfathomed caves" of ocean deep 

Are not so dark as poets sometimes write ; 
There myriads moving, mingling monsters creep, 

And doubtless to them all that gem is bright. 

Within the caverns of the grains of sand, 

That lie around that desert rose's feet, 
A thousand living things fed by God's hand 

Find joyous homes. To them that rose is sweet. 

And still if not a creature where 

That rose is blooming or that gem is laid, 
The great Creator, or God, who placed them there, 

Would take delight in work his hands have made. 

Think not thy worth and work are all unknown , 
Because no partial pensrnan paints thy praise ; 

Man may not see nor mind but God will own 
Thy worth and work and thoughts and words and ways. 

The desert rose though never seen by man, 

Is nurtured with a care divinely good; 
The ocean gem though 'neath the rolling main 

Is ever brilliant in the eyes of God. 



Chaffin, Elder Edward M. is a native of Iredell coun- 
ty, N". C. He moved into the bounds of the Broad River 
(now King's Mountain) Association in the year 1838, and 
became a constituent member of the Zoar church in its or- 
ganization. He was a delegate to the Association in 1839, 
and was about that time a very popular preacher. Soon 
after, he was accused of improper and lascivious conduct, 
and not being willing to risk a legal investigation, he igno- 
miniously fled the country. 

"all is not gold that glitters.''" 

The above trite remark was completely verified in Elder 
E. M. Chaffin, for when he first made his advent among the 
38 



298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

people and churches of the Broad River Association he was 
"the great revivalist preacher," and attracted large congre- 
gations wherever he went, and to all human appearance his 
labor seemed not to he in vain. But ah ! in an evil hour 
the tempter obtained the victory over him, and he, with all 
his eloquence, put to shame. 

It is said that during the late war between the States 
he became a noted libertine and gambler, and died in shame 
and remorse. He had before this been expelled from 
church privileges and advertised by the Association to which 
he had formerly belonged. He would be, if living, about 
75 years of age. Had an intelligent, cultivated wife and an 
interesting family of children, 'who have the sympathies of 
many. Alas ! poor Chafrin ! 



Curtis, Elder "William, L.L. D. was the son of that 
venerable and distinguished man, Elder Thos. Curtis, D. D. 
He was born in Cum bu well, England, April 23d, 1817, and 
in 1832 was baptized into the fellowship of the Baptist 
church. At what time he was ordained by the church at 
Columbia, S. C, we are unable to tell. He w T as for a few 
years pastor of that church. In the year 1845 he, with his 
father, moved to Limestone Springs. This place was pur- 
chased by them in that year, and they established the "Lime- 
stone Female High School," which proved to be a great 
success; having as principals two men so well qualified, 
their fame spread throughout the entire South, and ever! be- 
yond. There are now living hundreds of ladies w 7 ho were 
educated there. Elder Wm. Curtis was untiring in any good 
work. When he became a member of the Broad River As- 
sociation a large majority of its members opposed missions, 
which to him was very mortifying. In 1847 a society was 
organized at Limestone Springs by Wm. Curtis, his father, 
and a few other brethren, which w 7 as called the "Broad River 
Society, in aid of the spread of the Gospel." Through the 
noble efforts of this society the missionary spirit increased, 
and darkness gave way to the light until the society was 
merged into the Association. Through the untiring efforts 
of William Curtis and his father, the church called now 
Limestone was constituted, and for more than fifteen years 
he was pastor of this church. Some two or three years pre- 
vious to his death he had a slight attack of paralysis, which 
impaired both his body and mind, and both gradually gave 
way until the 30th of October, 1873, he breathed his last. 
His remains now lie interred at Walthoursville, Liberty 
county, Georgia. 

Elder Barnett, the associational historian, speaking of 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. £9:> 

the abilities of Dr. Thomas Curtis, adds : "Yet candor com- 
pels me to say that, although Dr. Curtis was a most able 
divine, both as a preacher and writer, ,yet as a debater he 
was decidedly inferior to his son, William Curtis. Dr. Wm. 
Curtis was of quicker perception, more\ready to meet a de- 
bate in every turn it would take ; and with a facility for 
anticipating his competitors' strong points, and weakening 
them before he arrived at them, he was evidently superior 
to his father. " 

Dr. Wm. Curtis was chosen a delegate to the Associa- 
tion first in 1852 by the Ephesus church. In 1864 he was 
elected Clerk, and in 1868 he was chosen to preside as Mod- 
erator. In 1867 he prepared the circular letter addressed to 
the churches, on the Christian Ministry, which we reproduce 
in this work, as follows : 

Dear Brethren : — The welfare of our churches depends so 
much upon the condition of our ministry, that we this year beg your 
prayerful consideration of the characteristics of the christian minis- 
try we always need. We should not, in the first place, forget that 
the churches do not make the ministry ; they neither create it, nor 
qualify it, though they have much to do in moulding its temper, its 
influence and its habits, and it lives most to the glory of its Master 
when sanctioned and sustained by their apx^roval, their co-operation 
and their prayers. Each minister of our churches is to be character- 
ized as being, therefore, that in which alone the Apostle Paul would 
glory — u the minister of Christ," (1 Cor. iv. 1 ;) "a minister of God,' 7 
(2 Cor. vi. 4.) Ministers stand only in their official relation to the 
churches, as they are Christ's servants. To be a minister, is to be a 
servant, but it is well to remember that but one is the master — even 
Christ — and though we serve, that we all are brethren. There is 
sometimes a great lowering of the office, by regarding and speaking 
of it as if the churches were the masters, rather than the guests in 
the Master's house ; the ministry is looked down upon rather than 
exalted by the churches. Whenever this is done a church can not 
prosper, a minister can not prosper. At other times individuals 
would do the same, but the minister is not, must not be the servant 
of men. He must remember the exhortation of Titus, "Let no man 
despise thee ;° and this, not by opposing those that would, but by 
being faithful, irreproachable, a servant of Christ in allthings— that 
to despise Him shall be impossible. 

In the New Testament there are three or four different words 
employed by the inspired writers to set forth the service of the min- 
ister. Each has its own peculiar shade of meaning. In Coloss. ii. 
17, the Church is told to say to Archippus, "Take heed to the min- 
istry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it." In 
the word "ministry" (diakorios) here used, the apostle has reference 
to the diligent, annoying service, which he and every one of his 
faithful successors will have to perform. His Master, the Lord Jesus, 



3<!0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

has given him many a dirty place to cleanse, and he must do it 
promptly ; many a tedious hour of watchfulness, that all things be 
kept in order about his house, and he must rely upon it. Eom. xii. 7. 
This is often a weary task, and one in which many must help. It 
is harder to purify a depraved and polluted heart than to cleanse a 
pit of filth. A great work of the servant of the Lord is to stop pro- 
fanity, to prevent the desecration of the holy Sabbath ; to turn aside 
the filthy torrent of intemperance, and the loathsome streams of 
gross sensual indulgence. Of all these to say "Repent," is his work ; 
to guard against them is his life-long labor in any community. 

But the Apostle Paul in Acts xxvi. 16 tells us that Jesus appear- 
ed unto him for this purpose, "to make him a minister (uperretees) 
and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of 
those which I will appear unto thee." A different word is here 
used to bring out the galling on, as he terms it — the galley-slave-life 
to which a christian minister is often to be given up ; a life in which 
every exertion he can make must be made, in which his strength 
will almost give way, but there is no help save to work at his oar, 
and push his boat. The lives of many depend upon his life, and on 
that life being engaged in that work alone. As such a minister Paul, 
the prisoner, was on his way to Rome to begin the overthrow of its 
Pagan power, and thus it is that our ministry have again to encoun- 
ter almost Pagan superstition and opposing wickedness around our 
own churches. 

Again in Rom. xv. 16, the same Apostle takes a still different 
view of his ministry and that of the christian church, when he 
speaks of "the grace that is given to me of God, that I should be the 
minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gosx>el of 
God." Indeed, in these few words he uses two different ones to un- 
fold all the truth. First, he speaks of himself "as the minister (leit- 
ourgos) for the people, in the economy and frugality with which he 
must discharge the duties of his office. How true was this of him 
when he could say of his work in Asia : "Ye know from the first 
day that I came into Asia after what manner I have been with you 
at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, * * .•* 
and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have 
showed and taught you publicly, and from house to house (Acts xx.18- 
2');) and of his work in Europe, that his own hands had ministered 
to his necessities, and that no man should take this boasting from 
him that "in Achaia had been chargeable to no man." Next he 
speaks of his "ministering" (hierourges) as desirous of impressing 
this most important lesson that when, as the simple and personally 
independent man (but workman for the people) he stands alone 
among his fellow creatures, he yet is acting as the very priest of 
God ; for such in the word he uses does he say it is to be "minister- 
ing" the Gospel of God. When w T e can lose sight of ourselves in 
our work, God will make Himself seen most clearly in us and about 
us. Let us often meditate on these views of the christian ministry, 
its ordinary, continuous servant's work ; its galling most oppressive 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 331 

work; its self-denying work for the good of others; its priestly 
work— and ask, is this the ministry we have? the ministry we are / 

But in the passage already quoted, Arehippus is told "to take 
heed to the ministry ; the Colossian church are to tell him, so that 
both they and lie must have a heeded ministry, or it is not the min- 
istry of the Savior or the Saviour's churches need. First, the min- 
ister is to heed his own office ; he must see and find something in it 
most important — more important, perhaps, than any one else besides 
.imagines. It is his own peculiar and most pressing duty now upon 
him ; there is woe if he disregard it, danger to himself and all around 
that he must heed, with which his service has peculiarly to do. He 
and nobody beside can avert it, and bring in the stead thereof such 
winning tidings of deliverance that his very feet shall be blessed. 
The true minister is always so heedful of this state of things — the in- 
consistent are so heedless, and therefore so harmful. What minis- 
ters do not mean to do or neglect to do, has weakened, divided or 
•destroy ed the churches perhaps quite as often as even the outbreak- 
ing sins of the comparatively few hypocritical ones, who have, in 
sheep's Clothing, stolen in among the flock. But again, he must 
keep his body under, lest, having preached to others, he himself be 
a castawav ; and while he "thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he 
fall." He must also take heed to the gift that was given him for 
this ministry and to his doctrine ; must study to show himself ap- 
proved unto God, and beware how he buildeth in his Master's house, 
even upon the true foundation : some building will otherwise be of 
wood, hay or stubble, and with sadly untempered mortar. He has 
also to take heed as to the signs of the times, and be no indifferent 
-peetator of passing events, yet he must not strive or entangle him- 
self in things only of this world. How few in the ministry have in 
these respects kept themselves pure J 

But the church is to say, "take heed." Did not the Apostle 
mean, therefore, that in a sort of peculiar and elevated jealousy, for 
the entire character of this minister of Christ, they were also to 
take heed, both on his behalf and their own? A minister is to be 
kindly watched by the church; his faults are not to be greedily gath- 
ered up, and as earnestly bruited abroad ; but he must be prayed for, 
•conversed with and encouraged ; sometimes he must be warned, and 
■even urged to a more active, spiritual and entire discharge of his 
solemn trust. Noble-minded Bereans, who search the Scriptures 
daily to see whether what he teaches is so, and watchful Aquiilas 
and Prisciilas will mature the character and usefulness of either an 
Apostle Paul or an eloquent and mighty Apollos. Words of sound 
doctrine stir up that faith in the attentive hearer only, which re- 
acts both upon the ability and the energy of the ministry we need. 
But forsake the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of 
some is, or assemble but to enquire of the crops, the neighborhood 
affairs, or thepoliticsof the country; or disregard both the doctrine the 
minister teaches, and the exhortation that he gives, either by care- 
less inattention or oitentimes by actual sleep and talk, and walking 
to and fro in the very house of God, and soon our churches and our 



302 BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCHES. 

ministry will be aboncloned. The ministry we need is one that 
must be heeded both by itself and by the people. 

The important characteristics of this ministry becomes more 
striking as we advance. "Itis received in the Lord." No one, "ex- 
cept in the Lord," can discharge its duties, or enjoy its privileges. It 
is only thus to be prepared for. He cannot be a minister who is not 
in Christ Jesus. The proof once made of not being in him, every 
other qualification, education, influence, interest, success, is insuffi- 
cient. We must have a Godly ministry. But more particularly, to 
have "received the ministry in the Lord," means nothing less than 
that Spiritual union of the sinful man with his Savior of which he 
speaks, when he says, "The glory which thou gavest me, I have given 
them; that they may be one, even as we are one. I in them and 
they in me, that they may be made perfect in one." John xvii : 22 23* 
It is, that the man be "created anew in Christ Jesus," to have 
"Christ made to him wisdom and righteousness, sanctifi cation, and 
redemption;" "to be found in him, not having his own righteousness- 
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ." 
The foundation of the character of the ministry we need, is flius laid 
in 2ieculiar piety of the man, even before he becomes the minister. A& 
the brave man, alone, can make the good soldier, the man eminent 
for his piety, may alone make the good minister. 

But the further meaning of this characteristic is, that the min- 
istry is in the Lord continuously. There is a living, growing union, 
between them. No minister, especially, can live on any of his spir- 
itual blessings, that are altogether past. Out of his treasures of faith 
of knowledge, of love, of strength, must come things, new and old. 
The Lord is ever before him, as a lamb recently slain, he ever liveth, 
and comes in and abides with his minister, of his crucified redeemer 
he never loses sight, if he is in the minister the churches need. If 
because eminent for piety, he is put into the ministry, he must be- 
come more known for his simplicity of character, his purity, his 
freedom from the love of the world, his prudence, his gentleness, his 
earnestness, his faithfulness, his ardent love, as he continues therein > 
This is it which we need in a ministry "received in the Lord." 

Again, dear Brethren, that ministry must be fulfilled; take heed 
that thou fufill it, "full proof" must be made. And who needs 
not to be admonished here ? Is the ministry not almost at a stand ? 
Do not the people love to have it so? To fulfill the ministry can 
only be affected by all of us as united brethren. The minister builds 
up the church. The church builds up the minister. They are both 
one body — each is necessary to the other, they can only be strong 
while in the Lord, and in one another, for all must be one to live 
and prosper. The ministry, it is meant, must be filled as to all the 
mind can learn and understand of the gospel; the heart must be 
filled with all it can feel of the power of the gospel, and the hands 
must be filled with all they can do for the gospel. 

We need a strong minded ministry. We cannot prosper without 
it. Bible truths in their importance, their proportion, their proofs 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 308 

and their distinction, must be continually brought out more and 
sinore fully. The people must be urgent to ask for this — the ministry 
•as ready and desirous to do it. This can only be done through most 
•diligent and const-ant reading of the Bible, that contains these truths, 
and watchful prayer. The ministry and people that do not increase 
in the knowledge of the Bible, cannot fulfill the ministry. Let the 
minister say, "I will cease to teach when I cease to learn." Let 
the people know that the minister ceases to profit when he ceases to 
teach. The ministry that we need must be an educated ministry. 
It may not be educated Jw its duties, but it must be educated in 
them. The teaching and learning of the schools may not have been 
heard of, but the ministry has been with the great Teacher, Jesus, 
and is with Him constantly or it is not fulfilled. Oh ! thatthere were 
not a minister among us, who does not study all he can to show him- 
self ''approved unto God," to fill his mind fully, and the minds of 
the people, with all the truth. But the heart must ever take the pre- 
cedence of the mind, as the characteristic of the ministry we need. 
There is no profitable ministry without a full heart. "Thou shalt 
love the Lord, tliy God, w T ith all thy heart and soul, and mind and 
strength." The heart takes the precedence. There is needed, there- 
fore, a holy strength, direction, government, warmth, and energy 
of heart unsurpassed, that the ministry may be fulfilled. The 
greatest powers may become the most destructive, but for that rea- 
son they need not be abandoned ; they must only be the more closely 
^regulated. Let it be thus with the heart of the ministry, and the life 
corresponding to it in the heart of the peeple. "Now we live, if ye 
stand fast in the Lord." Both parties must here again join in this 
great work, using the greatest caution Neither must mistake mere 
excitement for the true work of the Holy Spirit in the heart — mere 
imagination for the true revelation of a blessed hope — or the mere 
power of sympathy for the fellowship of saints. How surely will 
the enemy of souls counterfeit what is so valuable when genuine ! 
Let the ministry and the people guard against the deception. Once 
more : the ministry can only be fulfilled by strong efforts. Ministers 
must work till they are successful ; no other thought than that of 
success must be their's ; the people must determine to sustain them. 
Strong efforts is what the Apostle means when he tells Timothy to 
make "full proof" of his ministry. He was to "preach" theWord^ 
to "be instant," (urgent he means) "in season, out of season, re- 
prove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine, watch 
An all things, endure afflictions, and do the work of an evangelist." 
Is this our proof in these days that we have the ministry we need ? 
Practical efforts will here be demanded ; works of the hand 
that one finds to do must be done with might. Church-meetings, 
prayer-meetings, Sabbath schools, Bible distribution and reading, 
sending the knowledge of the Truth where I cannot go by others, 
•and taking it where I can ; visiting the fatherless and the widow, 
going from house to house, freely giving as I have freely received. 
All these are practical efforts in which the ministry is to be fulfilled,, 



304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

The people must aid and support the ministry in all these things.. 
The ministry is to show this pattern of good works; let the people- 
copy it for their own benefit and comfort, and so far as they can_ 
let them cut loose the hands of their ministers, and devote them. 
wholly to these great works. 

We observe lastly : David speaks with gratitude that "a bow of 
steel was broken with his own arms," and that God's gentleness had 
made him great; to teach us that in crushing enemies without 
fear and conquering souls for Christ, is the full triumph of the min- 
istry completed. Error, wickedness, sly deceit, and open scorn must 
alike be met. The ministry must war a good warfare ;" "many ad- 
versaries" the Apostle had to encounter, but he overcame them all, 
fought a good fight, and received his crown. So must we. Some he- 
rebuked and cut off; others he saved with fear, plucking them out 
of the fire, laying with the angels of divine mercy as at Sodom, his 
hands on those of lingering nature, and thus compelling the escape 
of life. The Apostle Paul never forgot that overcoming the opposer 
and the indifferent, more often can be done by persuasion than by 
finding fault. The attempt at the contrary often becomes a habit 
with us, but the wisdom that winneth souls to Christ is the perfec- 
tion of wisdom. One can rarely scold another into being a christian. 
Love is the fulfilling of the ministry as it is of the law. 

Ma} 7 we thus find continually the. ministry we "need in the sal- 
vation that is brought to our doors, that comforts our hearts, prompts 
us all to every good word and work, fits us for heaven, and is for the 
jdorv of our Lord and Master. William Curtis. 



Curtis, Elder Thomas, D. D. was a native of England, 
born at Wisbeach, Cambridgeshire, May 10, 1787. He was 
the son of a substantial yeoman of good property. In early 
life he showed intellectual vigor and a fondnesss for books 
which his father cultivated, and thus he obtained a good 
school education. While at school he was competitor for 
a prize essay, and was successful. By this he would have 
been entitled to a presentation to the University of Cam- 
bridge, but he could not accept it, not being able conscien- 
tiously, to sign the "Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of 
England." The death of a sister, and of the venerable Bap- 
tist clergyman, Dr. Fisher, under whose ministry he sat, 
early impressed his mind with the importance of religion, 
and led to his conversion and baptism while a youth. 
Henceforth he devoted himself to study, labor, and useful- 
ness for the church of God. Mainly self-instructed at this 
period of life, he acquired a good knowledge of Latin, 
Greek and Hebrew. The Baptist church of which he was 
a member put him forward as a preacher, and availed them- 
selves of his services for some time. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 205 

He was married to a Miss Reynoldson, June 15th, 1809, 
a lady of attractive endowments and sweet and gentle tem- 
per, and then settled in London. Fond of books, he en- 
gaged in the book business, which, as a commercial enter- 
prize, was driven with energy and a successful pecuniary 
result. But his father-in-law, (the father also of the late la- 
mented Elder John Kevnoldson, of Virginia, so well known 
among our churches.) dying about this time, he was called 
to succeed him in the pastoral care of the church in the city, 
and withdrew from aetive participation in secular business. 
His literary labors, however, were uninterrupted, and he 
became one of the editors of the first parts of the "Encyclo- 
pedia Metropolitana,' 5 his chief coadjutor in this great 
work being S. T. Coleridge. This position led them to call 
forth the services and labors of a number of eminent men, 
and to enjoy intimate intercourse with most of the choice 
spirits of the day. Charles Richardson's English Dictionary 
and Whately's Logic aud Rhetoric, with many other inval- 
uable treatises, were thus first written for this work. Alter 
some years, another book-selling house having undertaken 
to publish the London Encyclopedia at the extraordinary 
rate of an octavo volume a month, brought his valuable ser- 
vices to their aid at a very flattering rate of compensation. 
This he conducted in three years and a half to a successful 
issue. Such also was his acquaintance with the condition of 
the text of our English Bible, that he was employed by the 
Oxford L'niversity in correcting an edition for their press. 
He pointed out at that time no less than ten thousand errors 
of the press in alteration from the standard editions of 1611. 
This work though completed, the fruit of much labor and 
care, has not been published. The authorities becoming 
alarmed for the results, suddenly withdrew their sanction to 
further proceedings, and, thanking him for his ability and 
cOurtesy, abandoned their design. The manuscript is still 
among his papers. 

To set forward his children, and prompted perhaps by 
a love of our institutions, he immigrated to America. The 
voyage ended in shipwreck and loss to himself and almost 
all the passengers of their worldly goods, but their lives, 
with difficulty, were saved. Thus, iu 1834, he began his 
residence in the Lmited States, settling first in Bangor, and 
afterwards for a short time in Augusta, Maine. Boudoin 
College testified her sense of the value of his labors by con- 
ferring upon him the title of Doctor of Divinity. But the 
climate being too rigorous for his family, under the advice 
and influence of Bro. Holmes Tupper, then of Savannah, he, 
about the vear 1838, went to Georgia, accepting the call of 
39 



306 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the Macon church, and settled there for a few years. The 
friends of Mercer University then desired he should move 
to Penfield, but after a short stay at that place he was urged 
to take charge of the Wentworth street Baptist church, in 
Charleston, 8. C, and moved there in 1841. He was pres- 
ent and made an address at the laying of the corner stone of 
their house of worship, and publicly opened it when ready 
for use with a sermon that will long be remembered. Here 
he labored with the eminent appreciation of his services by 
all who had the privilege of enjoying them, even but occa- 
sionally, till his removal to the last sphere of his constant 
labors at Limestone Springs in the Fall of 1845. At this 
place, in conjunction with one of his sons, he began the en- 
terprise of a Female High School in the mountain districts, 
bringing to this doubtful problem all the energy of youth 
with the matured wisdom and experience of a manhood spent 
amidst the most elevated of religious and literary associa- 
tions. He set the tone of education high at once. Care was 
taken as is fit to cultivate the mind to the point of refine- 
ment and even of elegance, while cheerful fondness, prompt 
obedience, order nearly perfect, and thorough accuracy char- 
acterize his pupils. These were the fruits of the rich instruc- 
tion both in morals and religion that he poured forth as well 
in the class-room as the pulpit. He attained the happy art 
of influencing to his high purposes without alone depending 
on the sternness of simple authority, and he has bequeathed 
a noble array of daughters to elevate and adorn our race, 
many of whom rise up in every district and the most of our 
Southern States to bless his memory. 

In his ministerial labors in this part of the country the 
public knew him more as an evangelist than as a pastor, and 
in this capacity his presence was everywhere hailed with sat- 
isfaction amounting to delight. He made our public meet- 
ings glad when he appeared in them, and Zion's waste and 
desolate places rejoiced often in those rich and vigorous min- 
istrations which, like the fountain in his own beautiful 
grounds, emitted the same refreshing fullness who ever was 
there to enjoy them. He gave his mind freely and fully to 
Bible themes as the basis of his discourses, dwelling mainly 
on subjects that he could connect with the sovereignty of 
God in providence and grace—the Divinity of our Lord, 
His atonement, the influences of the Holy Spirit, and the 
fullness and freedom of grace. His preaching, original and 
striking, did more than fill the mind of the hearer — it quick- 
ened all his powers and was peculiarly suggestive, inspiring 
reflection and inquiry that frequently led off into trains of 
thought previously unexplored. His last sermon was in the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 307 

Central Baptist church, Brooklyn, New York, from Mark i. 
17 : "Is it not written, my house shall be called of all nations 
the house of prayer ?" "With great clearness and power," 
says the pastor of that church, "he showed what is real 
prayer, and that such prayer must underlie all that is done in 
the house of God, or it answers not the purpose of its ap- 
pointment." Such was the effect of his discourse, his man- 
ner all life, and singularly impressive, his voice, strong and 
full, and his own soul deeply absorbed, that the congregation 
while returning w r ere observed to move in clusters, express- 
ing the desire to return and hear the message repeated. 

During his entire journey to the North and homeward, 
the exercises of his mind in the pulpit, the prayer-meeting, 
and in the families of his friend, even beyond former exam- 
ples, attracted notice, and evince that he was being prepared 
for his departure. 

Suddenly called home, by what in the last letter he wrote 
he terms "the unimpeachable voice of God in death" in his 
son's family, he was on board the ill-fated steamer, "North 
Carolina," passing from Baltimore to Norfolk on the 29th of 
January, 1859, and perished in the flames that consumed 
her. Though in his seventy-second year, neither his natural 
powers of body nor of mind was abated — he did. not decline 
amid the feebleness and senilities of a worn-out life. His 
sun went down in its full splendor. The call was sudden, 
but he was not unprepared. The Master came and he open- 
ed to Him immediately. The presumption is that he passed 
away without conscious pain — suffocated without awaking, 
by the smoke and gases that so quickly filled the room. He 
had spent the evening conversing of his Master, and the last 
that was seen of him was as he was reading his Bible at his 
berth, preparing thus either for duty below or for heaven, 
as the Master should please. He died like Moses, apart and 
alone, and "no man knoweth of his burial place unto this 
day." In this mournful dispensation to bis relatives and the 
churches, we have but another example of that upon which 
Dr. Curtis so often insisted — the peculiar sovereignty of God 
in the death of man. 

In his character there was uprightness, honesty and 
iirmness conjoined, however, with great ingeniousness and 
a glowing affection for ev^ry one and everything that was 
good. Though earnest in all things, it was the earnestness 
of love. Everywhere, in all circles, whether elevated or 
humble, his visits were welcome. It was only wished that 
he would stay longer and come again. His generous neigh- 
bors and the church to which he belonged at home say truly 
"they who knew him best loved him most." His plans in 



308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

life were as to all things of a conservative turn. His views 
of whatever he considered or undertook were rapid, com- 
prehensive and discriminating, and he had that one most 
important quality of genius — the power to make and sustain 
great efforts. While his plans were philosophical, and ex- 
tended to the principles of things, they were not revolution- 
ary. He knew it was much easier to destroy than to build 
up, and prudently avoided untried movements and sudden 
sweeping changes. His attainments w T ere as extended and 
remarkable as his ability and his associations. He was a 
christian scholar among christian scholars. In his piety 
there was much devotedness. It was a saying of his "that 
he could not always live in company," and his retired hours 
were especially prayerful. Finding himself a poor sinner, 
he went to God alone, for he had private business with Him 
that could not be done in a crowd. He evidently desired to 
live, realizing the true doctrine of death, that he has himself 
most happily impressed in one of his letters to his most inti- 
mate friend, thus writing : "We overrate death sometimes 
as a change. It w T ill be but a continuance of our better life." 
"The essential change w T as our regeneration to God. Death 
is a greater apparent than the greater real change. (John v. 
24.) Paul therefore speaks of the former as only a removal 
from one habitation to another. (2 Cor. v. 1.) Changing 
houses — not persons or natures — nor character." 

Dr. Curtis having become a constituent member of 
Ephesus church, organized at Limestone Springs, after he 
settled at that watering place, (and subsequently named 
Limestone church) was appointed a delegate with other 
brethren to represent the church and make application for 
admission into the Broad River Association, which applica- 
tion was made accordingly at the session of 1847, and he be- 
came a member of that body and frequently attended its 
sessions while he lived. At the session of 1850 he was 
chosen -Moderator of the body, and he presided with becom- 
ing dignity to the satisfaction of all. 

At the session of 1849 he was appointed to write the 
annual circular letter, and again in 1850 he was likewise ap- 
pointed, which letters are herewith reproduced : 

CHRISTIAN COMMUNION. 

Upon this subject, as upon the the kindred one of Christian Bap- 
tism, to which our attention was last year directed, the same intro- 
ductory remark is in point. There have appeared of late so many 
valuable tracts and treatises upon it, that any one acquainted with 
half of them will be unwilling to add to their numbers. Both are 
subjects upon which it is difficult to write briefly to and good pur- 
pose, and impossible to write anything new. The present writer 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 309 

will do all he can, however, to meet the wishes of his brethren, in 
comprising what may be useful in an annual Circular Letter. 

Christian Communion may be regarded in three principal points 
of view : I. Our communion with Christ. II. Our communion 
with our fellow christians at large. III. Ecclesiastical or church 
communion. 

1. Our communion with Christ is clearly the foundation upon 
which every other view of this subject must be built. Where this 
is not real,ancl Scrptural exercise (a personal fellowship on our part, 
"with the Father and with His son Jesus Christ,") what commun- 
ion or scriptural fellowship can we offer or exercise toward any fel- 
low man. If we endeavor to exhibit it in word or deed we shall be 
"like a man" truly, "who, without a foundation, built his house 
upon the earth." Or, if we, being christians, expect the exercise of 
Christian Communion toward us, by those who are not themselves 
christians, we shall be disappointed, and may be w T ell described in 
the poet's words, as 

dropping buckets into empty wells, 

And growing old with drawing nothing up. 

Christians are brethren because the Elder Brother, the Son of God, 
has made them, individually 'free' in a double sense; giving them 
a freedom of deliverance from the bondage of sin, and a freedom of 
privilege, or peculiar rights in his Father's house, where all who 
thus truly enter, abide forever, and because (as in the case of all 
brotherhood) they are individually of a common parentage; "all 
the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." They are admonished 
to love one another with a purity and fervor peculiar to this tie: 
'"being born again, not of corruptible -teed, but of incorruptible, by 
the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." Another motive 
to this intense affection, mentioned in the same connection, is the 
work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts and lives. "Seeing ye have 
purified your hearts in obeying the truth through the Spirit." All 
the Holy Trinity, therefore, concur in the work of laying dee]) the 
foundations of Christian Communion in the individual christian's 
heart. They are an essential part of that "mystery of God, and of 
the Father, and of Christ," which this man cherishes there, under 
his baptism acknowledged, and "in which are hid all the treasures 
of wisdom and knowledge." The close connection between the 
communion of Saints, and this individual communion with heaven. 
is in modern times often overlooked, but they are related as the ef- 
fect to its cause, as the stream to the fountain, as the beams of the 
morning to the rising sun; the one cannot be without the other. We 
are to love the brotherhood," or fraternity of Christians (which is 
something more than loving particular or any number of brethren) 
because of its origin in the fatherhood or paternity of God ; and 
both ties are the more binding because our understandings, con- 
sciences, affections and will are all consulted and engaged from the 
first, in the function of both. The children of God, by faith, we are 
brethren, as no natural brethren are, by choice, and hence, surely 



810 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the more distinctly and more firmly bound. We do not find these 
great truths disputed anywhere among sound christians ; they are 
only neglected and too little felt. But they establish, in every 
glance at them, the importance of an individual conversion toGod, 
or of making our own "calling and election sure;" and the equal 
importance of all preferred churches being composed of such indi- 
vidual converts only. The Christian Communion of the whole can 
only be genuine, as genuine personal piety prevails in every mem- 
ber. 

Thus much for the Christianity of it ; but the term Communion 
is one of which we should have definite and Scriptural ideas. It 
signifies, for all practical purposes, the same as "fellowship," and 
intends a joint or common union, either in action or in feelings and 
motives, which lead to action. r Jhus we read (1 Cor. x. 16) of "the 
Communion of the body and blood of Christ," meaning an union 
in the common act of partaking of the Lord's Supper, and in the 
passage already alluded to (1 John i. 3) of "our fellowship." (the 
same term which in the Corinthians is rendered communion) with 
our Heavenly Father, and with Christ, where also the writer states 
that he was anxious for his brethren to have a similar fellowship 
with him and his brother apostles. Here it clearly intends a com. 
nion union in feelings and motives. The two passages (from 1 Cor- 
and 1 John) contain, in substance, the whole doctrine of Christian 
Communion. 

That with the Father and His Son is first in the order of import- 
ance, and the order of time or personal engagements. It is confined 
to no forms, places, or seasons of divine worship, and to no partic- 
ular species of worship ; while it is "the glory in the midst" of the 
church of social worshippers (and "a wall of fire round about him") 
it is even more the great attraction and characteristic reward of 
closet religion, or all the christian's personal approaches to God. It 
asks for no witness, "but the blessed Spirit within" the believer; it 
tarries for no created soul or symbol in affording him comfort ; it 
begins with the very beginning of true piety — grows with its growth 
— is more continuous and uninterrupted than any other communion 
he can enjoy on earth ; follows him to the gates of heaven and opens 
them for him as he approaches. Paul felt its power and profit alike, 
only in different degrees, at the gate of Damajscus, when he besought 
the Lord thrice for his thorn in the flesh to be removed, and when 
he was caught up to the third Heaven. It was anticipated, and in a 
happy measure enjoyed by Abraham, when God "called him alone," 
from Chaldea; by Moses, at the burning bush; by David, in many a 
solitary cave (inspiring some of his sweetest psalms) by the 3 children 
in the fiery furnace, and by Daniel in the lion's den. Old testament 
saints had not the blessings of this communion with the Father and 
the Son, either so distinctly or so richly as they may now be ob- 
tained; but whether ten men in a generation do now obtain them to 
the degree these worthies did, may be doubtful,. Without doubt, 
when the Lord looked on Peter from the High Priest's bar and he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 311 

went out, be had no other communion with heaven or earth in his 
penitence; when Stephen looked up steadfastly into heaven, while 
they were dashing out his brains, he enjoyed and wanted no other 
as the reward of his faith; when Paul and Silas sang together in the 
prison at Philippi, it was this, more than ought beside, that was the 
source of their peace and joy, and when theRevelatorwas in Patmos, 
this it was which bore him on eagle's wing's. Such are a few Bible 
pictures of the blessedness of this communion. Oh ! for more honest 
desires after it, more Jacob wrestlings for it, on each of our parts in- 
dividually ! Effectual fervent prayer is the peculiar means of grace 
belonging to it — the Jacob's ladder of this heavenly intercourse with 
earth in all ages. 

11. Our communion with our fellow christians at large is another 
delightful view of this subject. Whenever we maditate upon it we 
should begin with the prayer, "Lord, increase our faith !" for it has 
to deal with a vast extent of christian privileges and christian duty. 
In a dark or cold state of heart we shall understand very little of it. 

Two distinct but inseparable branches of this communion are 
brought forward very prominently in the New Testament : 

The saints on earth, and all the dead, 

But one communion make ; 
All join in Christ, their living head, 

And of His grace partake. 

Here we sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the king- 
dom of God ; here stand around us the goodly fellowship of the Apos- 
tles and the glorious army of the martyrs ; here encircles the "great 
cloud" of all the faithful witnesses to the truth in the past ; the whole 
blessed company having, with their infinitely varied themes of 
praise, but one anxious cry or prayer as to the future, in which we 
have many more interests at stake than they. How long, O "Lord, 
holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge us?" They stoop 
from their repose to cheer us forward and onward, to offer us "the 
communion of their love, their sympathy and their example." 
Death does not sever or weaken the links of this golden chain. 
Rather may it be said to rivet and strengthen them as each success- 
ive believer disappears from this lower world and is drawn upward. 
Out of it, assuredly, he never dies, and it is our greatest consolation 
respecting all that depart hence in the Lord. 

May we not here touch, with caution, on a Christian Communion 
which must exist between the church, quick and dead, and those 
angelic spirits who "are sent forth to minister" unto her? They 
have much of Christ, our Master's honor at heart ; "they do always 
behold the face of our Father in heaven," and thence imbibe all the 
interest which their noble and spotless natures can, in "the little 
ones" of the church. It is given as a reason for us to beware of 
offending "one of these." Is it not in some communion of spirit 
between these guardians, the wards and all their friends, in which 
we ever benefit or rightly please those little ones ? 

But there is a communion with our fellow-christians at large, on 



312 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

earth, which involves a greater union of privilege and duty. Let 
us contemplate it closely. It embraces all them who love our Lord 
Jesus in this lower world. The Savior in His resurrection manifest- 
ations went to the weakest and most sorrowful (always the most 
faithful of His friends) first. Let us be followers of Him in this 
spirit. 

This is a communion, then, between all the weakest, most soli- 
tary and most despised individual believers on earth, and every other 
believer, with "all that in every place call on the name of Jesus 
Christ our Lord ;" "for every one that loveth Him that begat, lov- 
eth him also that is begotten of Him." It is a communion with 
believers before they are baptized, and the foundation of allot' which 
we have more fully made with them afterwards. Baptism, essential 
as we shall see to Church Communion, is not then essential to this. 
It is far more proper and Scriptural to call this essential to baptism. 
The thief on the cross died in this communion of saints ; Cornelius 
and his household enjoyed it, as their abundant spiritual gifts testify, 
before baptism ; while Simon Magus, a baptized man, had neither 
part nor lot in the matter. 

Therefore while we should endeavor, in a proper spirit, to press 
upon all believers to be baptized, as Ananias found it necessary even 
with Paul (Acts xxii. 16 :) if they are but believers they are our 
brethren ; or 1 John v. 1 : (whosoever believeth that Jesus is the 
Christ is born of God) would be false ; and there is a need of closer 
brotherhood among all those who hold the head from which the en- 
tire body of Christ, by joints and bands, hath nourishment minis- 
tered. If those whom we judge to be true believers will not, from 
whatever cause unite with us in christian ordinances, we ought to 
cultivate a feeling of union with them, and love all that is like 
Christ in them. So far as we have attained to one belief or one view 
of things, we ought to walk by the same rule and mind the same 
things. Satan gloats and glories over ail. the divisions of real chris- 
tians, and baits his traps and nets for heedless souls with our strifes, 
—not troubling them upon the point of what they are, or what they 
are worth. 

Our points which God hath left at large 
How fiercely will men meet and charge, 
No combatants are stirrer. 

These divisions make and keep more people infidels and Roman 
Catholics than anything besides ; infidels, who have no creed, and 
Catholics, who are choked with creeds, being made friends — like 
Herod and Pontius Pilate — when they can make the most of all the 
difficulties of Christ's cause. 

A bad spirit in regard to such divisions has certainly abated 
among Evangelical christians of late years ; so that, it may truly be 
contended, we are not so divided in anything important, as are many 
equal numbers of political, professional and mercantile men in regard 
to their pursuits. Baptists, and our brethren, the Presbyterian and 
Methodists, exhibit something much more in principal alike, even 



BIOGRAPHTCAL SKETCHES. 313 

with regard to church government than do the wisest politicians at 
this time in respect to the government of the country ; and we are 
all more agreed about what sin is, than are the physicians about 
what cholera is. We would not be misunderstood here. More love 
of peace and more love of truth too, are everywhere wanted. Some 
people seem as if they would wish to see the Lord's vineyard a field 
of endless strife, and the coat of Christ forever rent, even among 
his friends. Others, and good people, too, are weak enough to con — . 
sider the divided state of those who profess the truth, a blessing — 
something in itself desirable. It never can be so, and only those 
can think it so who are of "little faith," in both the full and close 
union which there has been and wnich there shall yet be among all 
true christians. Once w T ere they all one, and were found acting to- 
gether as one throughout the world —one in sentiment and one in 
profession, to a degree which, at our distance in time and feeling 
from such union, we find it difficult to believe. There was but on 3 
Lord owned among them— one faith in the Lord— one baptism into 
the faith. And if we can think our Savior knew what was in this 
respect desirable, and the reason for its being so, His own words will 
set the matter of the future union of His people at rest with us. 
'•That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in 
Thee ; that the world may believe Thou hast sent me." The harvest 
of the world, then, will not be reaped while Evangelical christians 
— wherever the fault is— are so much divided as now they are. It is 
worthy our deep and frequent recollection. Not, however, is this 
stated here (nor to be a ( t any time referred to) to produce indifference 
to any duty or to any part of divine truth in love, and know how T so 
to defend it that men of no religion shall not be strengthened in their 
infidelity by our unhappy way of enforcing what we believe. It 
often arises from the inferior motives of pride and envy; because 
troubled streams bring up straws, and men of straw — men who love 
to beat the head of little parties; men of small minds, but who 
still know very well that if christians were more agreed, their par- 
ticular influence would be abolished; that perhaps they would be 
"snuffed out" as small lights no longer 'wanted, and their paity be 
first dissolved. 

We could and should therefore promote greater union among 
Evangelical christians in three ways. 1. By endeavoring; every- 
where to excite and maintain a higher regard for the^reat points on 
which we are all at present agreed. A few may be mentioned. The 
entire personal depravity of man ; the essential divinity and indis- 
pensable mediation of Christ; justification by faith in His sufferings 
and death alone ; the necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit ; 
and of the fruits of the spirit in good works, to prove that we have ' 
the spirit, together with their awful sanctions of eternal life and ~ 
death. 2. By meditating frequently and devoutly on the vast 
number of souls daily lost through not receiving — many through 
sheer ignorance of— these saving truths. 3. By more prayer, hearty 
prayer, and occasional worship (at opportunities providentially pre- 
40 



314 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

sented) with such as love our Lord, but follow not with us in all 
things. There have been seasons of revival in which Evangelical 
christians have thus acted profitably together. Evangelical minis, 
ters thus very properly and profitably exchange pulpits in our larger 
towns and cities. Perhaps revivals are still more profitably con- 
ducted where there is an entire agreement of sentiment, but there 
can be no question that God has been with and prospered a combined 
effort of two or more denominations. He may still be pleased to do 
so. We should be ready for every such good work, and then be 
watchful that the spirit of proselytism to a party which our Lord has 
wisely condemned (Matt, xxiii. 15,) do not mar our efforts or those 
of others- for the cause of God. All should retain the love of all 
truth, and yet know how to speak such truths only as are in season 
and all such in love. 3. We come to our third view of the subject — 
Ecclesiastical or Church Communion. We invite to the Lord's table 
in. every regular church, brethren and sisters of our own faith and 
order. It can easily be proved, we think from Scripture, that this 
is right, and teaches, when properly understood, all that is right in 
the case. Here we express and enjoy the full communion of saints, 
all of which we have in this letter already treated — communion with 
the Lord, communion with those who love Him, and communion 
in all those great purposes for which He has established a church on 
earth, viz : for the building up of saints ''on their most holy faith ;" 
for maintaining undivided allegiance and obedience to Himself in 
doctrines and ordinances, and for gathering those sheep of His not 
yet brought into the fold. 

Perhaps we may, with propriety, glance here for a moment at 
the communion of churches and associations. The last is our most 
extended exercise of full christian communion, unless we take into 
view the conventions of each State, which may be called a commu- 
nion of associations. Brethren of our faith and order alone, can be 
delegated to any of these bodies ; they represent the various churches 
and associations for particular purposes, the principal business trans- 
acted being of a missionary character, domestic or foreign, and two 
undisputed good results having accrued. The spiritual state of the 
churches has been fully made known ; their increase rejoicing all 
the friends of Zion within the circle embraced, while their sorrows 
meet with sympathy and aid ; but what is more ! many a dark cor- 
ner of the country has been explored by the faithful missionary of 
feeble associations, and new churches organized where the name of 
a church was before scarcely known. Churches will do well, as we 
believe, to cultivate an increased freedom and fullness, and faithful- 
ness of intercourse w r ith each other at these associations. It is to be 
observed, however, that both of these larger bodies, Associations and 
Conventions, are of modern institution ; they cannot be traced, in 
their present form, to the New Testament, Though they may use- 
fully advise in church difficulties, they have no powers of church 
government. Our attachment to them, therefore, should be simply 
that which w T e owe to the plans of good and wise men ; they are not, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 315 

in the same sense, us all chnreb organizations of individual believers 
— part of the revealed will and counsel of God. 

To these church organizations, then, we now direct our regard. 
Here, in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord, He ex- 
pects His people to be walking ; and before we discuss the pleas that 
have been made for introducing here some christians who cannot 
walk with us in all Christ's ordinances, it would be well to consider 
the state of those who can and do. Do not they need the word of 
admonition to strengthen and tighten the cords of christian broth- 
erhood among themselves? Is there not much wandering from 
church to church, in search of that Spiritual food which each church 
should try to provide for the sustenance of its own members within 
itself? Does not much laxity of discipline appear occasionally? 
and too much satisfaction at the mere increase of members without 
a due watchfulness for the increase of spirituality ? Much of length- 
ening the cords without strengthening the stakes of Israel's tents ? 
Observers who have looked into those small churches of some years 
since, that are now become large churches — and the lesson may be 
useful to all that are becoming large — find that often as numbers in- 
crease, brotherly love seems to diminish / so that the period of warm 
attachment and close union appears to be that of the youth and 
small numbers of such churches. Why this is, it might be well to 
inquire. At the beginning it was not so, says the good Book. The 
largest churches of the New Testament were some of the warmest 
and noblest for christian affection and christian exertion. Let the 
example of those at Jerusalem [the mother of us all] and at Antioch 
[her eldest born Gentile daughter] be well studied and imitated ! 
What unparalleled love and unity and personal sacrifices in the one ! 
What a visible abundance of the grace of God ; what bold exertions 
to send forth the Gospel ; what great joy and great gifts in the other! 
We can only here refer to these pattern churches, and pray that the 
constituency of all our associations may strive earnestly after copy- 
ing such models. 

And now would we briefly discuss those pleas for a more open 
communion in our churches, to which we have alluded ; or for the 
admission of some who profess an unity of faith with us, but not of 
order, at the Lord's table. 

Those who have most ably advocated such a communion admit 
that it is a novelty for which they contend ; or that while it might, 
as they suppose, promote the faith, it would not be according to the 
order of the New Testament thus to act. Their language here is 
very plain, and should be well weighed. The members of the prirn^ 
itive church consisted only of such as were baptized. He who had 
refused to be baptized would, at that period, have been justly debar- 
red from receiving the Sacramental elements ; would have been 
deemed unworthy of christian communion, have been undoubtedly 
repelled as a contumacious schismatic, so says the celebrated Mr. 
Hall. "I freely admit that it is clear, after the institution of baptism 
by our Lord, no person who refused to be baptized was ever admit- 



316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ted in any christian church to that [the Lord's] Supper," writes 
Mr. Noel. These two gentlemen being the ablest advocates this in- 
novation has found among Baptists — men of whom it may be said, 
that if ability and character of the highest discription, could succeed 
in establishing error for truth, these were men that had not failed 
to do it. 

Pedo-Baptist of the greatest learning and ability, make the same 
concessions. Dr. Wall, the most distinguished Episcopal advocate 
of infant baptism : "no church ever gave the communion to persons 
before they were baptized." Dr. Doddridge : "it is certain, so far as 
our knowledge of primitive antiquity extends, no unbaptized person 
received the Lord's Supper." Dr. Griffin— "I agree with the advo- 
cates of close communion, that we ought not to commune with those 
who are not baptized." Other quotations equally strong, might be 
made from able writers. 

At this point, then, w r e conceive that this whole matter might 
be disposed of. If the Apostles thus acted we are safe, and are justi- 
fied in following them : if they "rejoiced" in beholding the "order" 
as well as the faith, of the primitive churches, and write fully as 
much, perhaps, about one as the other, if in particular they "praise" 
such churches as "kept the ordinances as they were delivered to" 
them, w T hat should be our highest ambition as to order and ordi- 
nances, but to say with their true and immediate successors — "So 
did the Apostles, and so do we. 

For this we are reproached as "strict communionists," upon 
which two remarks may be made. 1. If communion is regarded as 
an act of obedience to Christ, which undoubtedly (while it is also a 
high privilege) it should be — the obligation to it arising from His 
express command, "Do this" — strictness is no just reproach, if too 
common an one, in regard to obedience. The good and faithful ser- 
vant, or child, must be strictly an obedient one. 2. In the case before 
us we are no stricter in our view of what is obedience, than the 
larger portion of those who thus reproach our views, nor so strict as 
many of them ; that is, no regular Christian Church, Protestant, 
Greek, or Roman Catholic which teaches and practices in any way 
the two ordinances, ever receives persons to the Lord's Supper who 
have not been baptized. A case is related by our Bro. Taylor, of 
Richmond. The Episcopal minister of a church in Philadelphia, 
about to distribute the elements of the communion service, observed 
at the altar, so-called, a pious friend whom he knew to have been 
all his life a Quaker. Happy in many respects to see him there he 
inquired; in alow voice, if he had been already baptized, the Quaker 
answering "No." Then I cannot administer to you this ordinance, 
said the clergyman ; and who can deny that he acted consistently, 
or that thus would have acted any regular Presbyterian, Congrega- 
tionalism or Methodist, as well as Baptist minister ? But our practice 
is, in some respects, not so strict as that of the body of our Evangel- 
ical Pedo-Baptist -brethren. They require evidence, after baptism, 
of a faith that has changed the heart ; the christian minister, by a 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 317 

happy inconsistency, prevails over the Pedo-Baptist, aud cannot ad- 
mit to the Lord's Supper, numbers the far greater portion of those 
whom lie has baptized. This appears, however, a piece of unac- 
countable injustice to his baptized friends. The reproach * of being 
strict com munionists, which we upon the whole regard as a happy 
one (1 Pet. iv. 14) for us, is only a strangely ignorant and often a 
mere vulgar and unthought of one, but it does not at all touch the 
merits of this question. 

Our remaining observations shall be directed to these merits ; or 
to 1st, Why we cannot admit the unbaptized to the Table of the 
Lord? 2nd, Why we cannot admit the unbaptized (as we still re- 
gard them) to the Table of the Lord, though they consider themselves 
baptized ? 3rd. Popular objections against our course. 4th, W T hat is 
and must be the tendency of an opposite practice in the case? 

1st. We cannot admit the unbaptized, as we regard them, to the 
Lord's Table, because the fair construction of our Lord's commission 
and the practice of the Aposeles alike forbid it. 

(i.) Christ requires the unbaptized, though a believer and be=> 
cause he is a believer, first of all things to be baptized. The com- 
mand to teach and baptize, in His commission involves, of course, 
the corresponding duties among our people of learning and being 
baptized. It prescribes also tne order in which these duties are to 
be performed. Ministers are to teach so as to make disciples [see 
margin.] 2d. Baptize. 3d. Then to teach all other things command- 
ed by Christ. Richard Baxter's language respecting the remarkably 
specific orders of the duties enjoined was quoted in our Letter on 
Baptism, to which subject it applies as well as to this. We need 
-only to add here the following : (, If au^ should be so imprudent as to 
say it is not the meaning of Christ — that baptism should immedi- 
ately, without delay, follow discipleship, they are comforted by the 
constant example of Scripture ; "so that, I dare say," he continues, 
"this will be without doubt with all consistent, rational and impar- 
tial christians.'' Robert Hall, the great modern advocate of mixed 
communion before mentioned, says that baptism possesses a orior 
claim to the attention of the christian convert, and that to. receive 
the Lord's Supper before baptism, is to invert [we should say pervert] 
the natural order of His Sacraments ; at least none such will we obey. 

(ii.) The undisputed examples or conduct of the Apostles and 
primitive churches, as Baxter says, point in this same direction. 
Wherever the christian ordinances are spoken of together, and men's 
first belief of the whole — they believed were baptized and continued 
in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship. Such is the account of the 
Pentecostal season of the gathering of the Samaritan church, of the 
baptism of Paul, and of his labors at Corinth and at Thessalonica, 

-It is precisely of the character of the word christian, as used 
[Acts xi. 26,] upon which no one can now decide whether it were 
first given reproachfully, or whether it was assumed by the disciples 
as an honor. It implied, in either case, the most honorable of facts 
— the "close'' union of his disciples with Christ. 



318 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

The only point in question seems to be whether the New Testament 
doctrine and examples are sufficient and binding authority in the 
case. So say strict Baptists, and therefore so much they act. The 
examples of the Apostles and the first churches are at once a vital 
branch of all that is authority here, and the best possible comment 
on what they understood our Saviour's commission to mean. 

2. We cannot admit the unbaptized, as we still regard them, to 
the Table of the Lord, though they consider themselves baptized r 
because other men's consciences are to regulate their views and prac- 
tice of duty, and our consciences are to regulate our views and prac- 
tice. We believe one thing about what is baptism, which all anti- 
quity agrees with us should come first, and they another, and are 
taught to regard infant baptism, when even [as in the Greek church] 
immersion is used as a nullity — wanting entirely in the inward and 
spiritual grace that which, above all things, makes baptism valid. 
Such a baptism is then, in our eyes, no valid baptism — not the New 
Testament ordinance at all. Nor can subsequent belief, as we see r 
put life into this dead form. Baptism was instituted to express a 
personal repentance and faith. It is the symbol of faith and repent- 
ance. It never did express such repentance and faith in the case 
supposed — was no such symbol. Baptism further symbolizes, at the 
time of receiving it, union by faith wrth Christ, and, specifically, in 
His death and resurrection. It could in no way express such union 
in an infant's case, who can have no thought about these matters. 
It is essentially also an expression of personal intentions and pur- 
poses or holy views Intention may enter so materially into various 
and public transactions that the want of it vitiates them altogether. 
A man cannot make a will without intending to make a will. He 
can not contract a marriage without meaning to contract marriage. 
Nor can he, as we read in the New Testament, be the subject of a 
valid christian baptism without intending a valid christian baptism; 
cannot contract the regular vows of baptism, without "before those 
vows making inquiry," and meaning to keep them. Then> is a viti- 
ating want of purpose and intention in the whole transaction of in- 
fant baptism. The child makes no vows, for it has no purposes. He 
is at the time bound to nothing. The whole service of God, freely 
chosen, is what baptism binds us to, — a thing impossible in the in- 
fant's case. 

Although, then, the conscientious believer in his own infant 
baptism as valid, is not to be classed with the dernier of all baptism, 
we see not how his belief can alter the facts in this case, or entitle 
him to the privileges grounded on valid baptism. His having been 
submitted, while altogether unconscious of the transaction to an un- 
authorized rite, can avail him nothing in claiming authorized privi- 
leges. On his own testimony, however, to a subsequent conversion, 
this rite has been demonstrated, in his case, to have been entirely 
unavailing. All the vows made for him have been broken ; every 
pledge of his consecration to God violated. Since this alleged bap- 
tism or professed death unto sin he has been entirely alive to it ; he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 319 

has contracted the whole of his personal guilt.; gone greedily into 
sin, and become so much its subject and servant as to be "free" alto- 
gether, as the Apostle writes, "from righteousness," on system op- 
posed to all its claims. It seems preposterous to us to admit saving 
power or any spiritual virtue in that which has been followed uni- 
foimly by such carnal and condemnatory issues. If it was not a 
nullity at the time, its uses— if we believe in total depravity atter- 
w aids— have all been totally annihilated. We may here touch the 
case of those who have been admitted to the church by sprinkling 
or pouring, or a confession of their faith. It is well known that 
Baptists consider immersion as essential to baptism. These parties 
are in the position of those who have meant to execute a legal deed, 
but have executed it illegally. Perhaps the right number of wit- 
nesses to the signature of a will may illustrate the case. If this is 
wanting, and the testator alive, the will must be executed again to 
convey the property. In its present state it would convey none. 
The informality is fatal ; the whole instrument, in its present state, 
is a nullity. A command to baptize is a command to immerse, as 
we hold, and of course for the candidate to be immersed. He who 
has not been immersed has not obeyed this command. The inform- 
ality has been fatal — the so-named baptism a nullity. A want of 
form is held rationally to destroy all the force of a form on many 
important occasions. 

As, therefore, not his own convictions only of being a true be- 
liever, but evidence of our conviction is required before we can sat- 
isfactorily baptize the candidate ; so that which is deemed by us a 
valid baptism, we feel bound to require before the candidate for 
communion can be admitted to the Lord's Supper. Our firm con- 
viction is that no servant of the Lord, or His church, however pious 
and learned, has any legislative authority in the matter, of course 
none to dispense with the law of Christ in regard to it. All are 
''under the law of Christ." 

Popular objections to our course, are: 

I. It is bigoted and Sectarian, This is doubtless an availing cry, 
but is it a fair one in this case? Bigotry, regarded mildly, is exces- 
sive attachment to the minor parts of a creed. But the charge takes 
for granted what we entirely deny. In our view, a great and im- 
portant institution of Jesus Christ is concerned — the initiatoiy ordi- 
nance of His church, one without w r hich no. party of Christians, 
except a small number in modern times (the Quakers and Open 
Communion Baptist) have ever attempted to organize a church. 
For the same reason, our conduct cannot be sectarian. The point 
at issue regards not the mere upholding of the peculiarities of a di- 
vision of the church ; our principle, that of not receiving the unbap- 
tized into the church, involves the most elemental views of the 
Christian community. It has never before been alleged that bap- 
tism can be overlooked in the gathering of a church. That cannot 
be sectarian, in an obnoxious sense, which has been the the com- 
mon sentiment of the orthodox throughout Christendom in all ages. 



320 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

2. But you exclude christians of acknowledged eminence ia 
piety from the Lord's Table. Have eminently pious men, then, no» 
unreasonable or unscriptural prejudices? Or are we not mildly to 
withstand "Peter" when he is "to be blamed." What leading chris- 
tian practice has not been opposed or declined by men of otherwise 
pious character? The observance of the Sabbath, public prayer., 
preaching, the circulation and study of the Scriptures, the celebra- 
tion of the Lord's Supper, as a whole and in part ? The whole Rom- 
ish church are contending for the entire omission of the wine in the 
case of the laity. And must we not admit that eminently pious persons 
have been found in that church, both before and since the Reforma- 
tion ? VVyclirFe, Tyndale, Sir Thomas Moore, Fenelon, Pascal, 
Francis Xavier might here be shown to have high claims to that 
character. But our space and time forbid. We woald by no means 
exclude by any sentence of ours, all the Popes themselves from the 
kingdom of God. But what of this? Would Paul have permitted 
the half communion of the Papal church to be recognized as the 
Lord's Supper ? Or would he have communed therein with the 
Pope, or Wyclifl, or Tyndale, or Fenelon ? All sound Protestants- 
will say no. That church had changed the ordinance from what 
the Apostle had left it, and he would have left them as we have 
done. Neither, as we believe, would he have recognized the half 
baptism, so to speak, of the Pedo- Baptists, or have given it the kind 
of standing which a mixed communion would in the christian 
church. 

3. But you acknowledge the brotherhood of Pedo-Baptists, and 
avail yourselves sometimes of their ministry, yet refuse the whole 
of the Lord's Supper. We regard Evangelical Pedo-Baptists as our 
brethren in Christ; but, brethren, in respect to ordinances, walking 
disorderly, and therefore we obey an Apostolic admonition in with- 
drawing from them in their ackninist ration of ordinances. Of the 
ministry of our Pedo-Baptist brethren we sometimes avail ourselves, 
because we find them preaching Christ. In the irregular preaching 
of Christ we find an Apostle rejoicing. Phil. i. 18. Preaching, more- 
over, is not necessarily connected with church organization ; it may 
be conducted in or out of the pale of the church. Apollos is an elo- 
quent man, mighty in the Scriptures, and taught diligently the 
things of the Lord, when he only knew the way of the Lord imper- 
fectly as to baptism, as do our Pedo-Baptist friends, we think. See 
Acts xviii. 25. In hearing preaching we feel, again, that we can 
separate the human testimony from the word of God. We may re- 
ceive or reject, but to recognize a known unscriptural ordinance like 
infant baptism, or omit a known scriptural one [in our view] like 
believers' baptism, is obviously different. We accept thankfully the 
teachings of any man who can instruct us, as can many of the Pedo- 
Baptists in the things concerning God's kingdom ; and will not de- 
prive ourselves of the great satisfaction and advantages we derive 
from acting with them, so far as we are agreed. But we feel con- 
strained, when they become irregular as to ordinances— unscriptu- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 821 

ral, as we believe— in their administrations of both baptism and the 
Lord's Supper, to halt; and as Paul and Barnabas, on a less occa- 
sion, to part ; because, greatly as we love our Pedo-Baptist friends, 
Christ and His cause we love better. ■ 

4. Tendencies of the new svstem. Each of the ordinances is a 
positive institution, wholly originating in and dependent on the 
will of the legislator. Destroy one [as we shall show this system 
tends to] and in the vital force of its obligation you assail the other. 
We receive the sacred elements of the Lord's Supper in both kinds, 
and we administer one before the other uniformly, because thus the 
Apostles received the ordinance "of the Lord." The Papists have 
much to say about a whole Christ being received in the bread, and 
we could prove no material error to be taught in administering the 
wine before the bread ; but should we reject all the Papistical reas- 
onings about the former? That is right to be done here, and only 
that which the Lord has commanded. 

The new system throws all things out of place in the relation of 
the christian ordinances to each other. It would displace them, 
avowedly from their relative position. But shall we thus improve 
them ? Shall we not corrupt each in turn, and give an anti-christian 
prominence to one or the other? Alreadj^ when this point of a 
mixed communion is urged, the Lord's Supper is dwelt upon and 
magnified out of all due proportion. It is at least made a frequent 
substitute for air other tokens of christian charity. You can not 
love the Pedo-Baptist brethren, it will be rashly charged, because 
you cannot meet them at the Lord's Table. To this it would seem' 
to be more than a sufficient reply They cannot love me as a brother, 
or they would meet me at the sacramental water, but I find other 
tokens of love to them prescribed, consistent with my obedience to 
Christ, and in them I will seek to excel. 

It is to magnify the Lord's Supper out of due proportion, when 
we insist that this blessed feast is exclusively the memorial of Christ's 
death. Baptism is such equally. And when we speak of partaking 
the Lord's Supper as the chief token of christian love and unity. 1. 
It is a token of love and unity among christians, but this is not its 
primary or chief intent, but to symbolize our union with Christ. 
Ye are all one bread and one body, forasmuch as ye all are partakers 
of that one bread (Christ,) do this in remembrance of me. Over- 
looking this essential order of the affections symbolized, serious mis- 
takes may be made. 2. Nor was the Apostle's fellowship chiefly in 
the Lord's Supper, but in prayer and praise, the hospitable enter- 
tainment of the church, and the fraternal relief of the wants of all. 
Fraternal devotion and fraternal charities of every kind were at least 
as conspicuous in the best days of the church, and in these are we 
one with all who love our Lord. 

But the tendency of administering the Lord's Supper to be bap- 
tized and unbaptized indifferently, is to the extinction of believers' 
baptism, and indeed of all baptism. This may readily be made ap- 
parent. Establish a right of the unbaptized to the Lord's Table, and 
41 



322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

you establish their right to every privilege of God's house. What 
can you consistently withhold ? and ponder the terms on which you 
do this. These two are the only positive institutions or ordinances 
of the church, in natural order, as all hold baptism is first. It must 
come in there, or you can require it nowhere. But this ordinance 
you now agree to pass unnoticed, and institute an acknowled chris- 
tian church or organized society without baptism. For peace sake 
there must be, in such a society, a dead acquiescence in utter silence, 
or endless disputations on this subject. Half or three- fourths of the 
church may, consistently with this system, be proven Pedo-Baptists. 
On its introduction the barrier or baptism must be broken down. It 
is not a legitimate fence of Christ's fold, but a wall of Jewish exclu- 
siveness ; as a law of God's house it may be, by individuals, for 
awhile, acknowledged, but happily, disobedience has no penalty! 
Was such a law ever long respected ? 

In fine, here is a christian community holding as a, whole, and 
as such, with no baptism, — and yet in its component parts with 
every variety of baptism, or just with baptism enough to destroy 
the whole doctrine of baptism. The Pedo-Baptists cannot, in char- 
ity, enforce their views, nor the Baptists theirs. The church, en- 
deavoring to include both parties, has silenced both — each in the 
act of their charitable embrace, while disarming an opponent, has 
stultified itself, and all God's counsel on the subject of baptism is 
sealed up, on the peril of every old charge of sectarianism and big- 
otry being renewed. Beguiled by the shadow of an unity of profes- 
sion this community, surely like the animal in the fable, has drop- 
ped the children's meat in this ordinance forever. While such a 
compromise should last it would be a church acknowledging no 
baptism, neither that of infants nor believers. In many cases be- 
lievers' baptism would be discontinued, accession to the church not 
requiring it. It would go first. But who that loves consistency 
can, in either view of the ordinance, desire to live under such a 
system ? Or who would, by means of such a system, seek such a 
result as this ? Not a single good man, as we believe, with his eyes 
open. Thine to serve. T. Curtis. 

October 18th, I860. 



CIRCULAR UETTER OF T. CURTIS. 

Christian Baptism— the Mode and the Subjects of it. 
Some few years ago the writer was travelingin a Southern state, 
and had a letter of introduction to the Episcopal Bishop of the state. 
'How is it," said that pious and able divine, "that go where I will 
in my diocese the colored people will be Baptists? They must go 
into the water and be baptized in your way. You Baptist ministers 
are thus made very responsible for seeing that they do not make it 
a saving ordinance." Admitting this responsibility the writer's 
answer in substance was: "You know, Bishop, that these colored 
people are our Southern poor ; the poor were to have the Gospel 
preached unto them, and it is especially adapted to them ; these 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 323 

poor people find our baptism on the face of the New Testament, 
They hear and read of men and women going down into the water, 
being baptized, and coming up out of the water. This kind of lan- 
guage describes our baptism, and no other. Some of your ablest 
writers have said infant baptism is in the New Testament, but not 
on it. Ours is both on it and in it. 

Now these considerations made us at first unwilling to under- 
take this letter. Believers' baptism (and that only) is so plainly 
commanded and described in the New Testament, and various 
Tracts (Pengilly, Wilson's Scripture Manual, &c.,) have, in addition, 
so well pointed this out, that the undertaking appeared unnecessary. 
But this last thought decided us to proceed. The baptism of believ- 
ers is in the New Testament, closely interwoven with its very text- 
ure, warp and woof, with the strong threads and the fillings up. It 
decides the constituency or composition of the church of whom alone 
it shall consist ; it affects deeply tire whole polity or government of 
the church, by determining who only can receive its laws and carry 
on its government. A Bible baptism properly followed out would 
long since have swept away from the world every form of the Papal 
hierarchy and of political or established churches. It and it only, 
as a baptism, gathers its disciples out of the world. Hence it is ex- 
pressly called in the Gospels "the counsel of God" (Luke vii. 30 ;) so 
that no man can declare all that counsel and not teach it. As such 
it is a speaking, eloquent symbol both of all Christ's work for us and 
of all our duty to Him. When attended to sincerely, no single act 
of the christian fife is so expressive of either. We might expect this 
from the infinite wisdom and authority which enjoin it, as to be but 
once performed. None of us, therefore, have as yet either exhausted 
its import or acted up to its meaning. Our readers who are not Bap- 
tists should consider prayerfully how much this holy ordinance is 
exhibited on the face of the New Testament ; Baptists, especially, 
where and how much it is found in it. Our remarks will be divided 
between these two considerations. 1. Believers' baptism is found 
everywhere upon the face of the New Testament. There are thous- 
ands of baptisms of believers in express terms, every one of whom 
were first required to repent and believe ; no clear case can be quoted 
of any other baptism. All acknowledge this. We ask for one clear 
case of any other. But a previous question has been started — What 
is baptism ? In reply to this, we shall consider first, the testimony 
of the English Scriptures ; secondly, the concessions of learned 
Pedo-Baptists. 2. All that Baptists in general have learned on this 
subject, it is to be remembered, has come down to them through 
their opponents, the Pedo-Baptists. Forty-seven learned men of the 
reign of King James I. of England — all Pedo-Baptists — have given 
them the English Bible, and it is this Pedo-Baptist translation of 
the Scriptures that has made hundreds of thousands of American 
and English Baptists one of the largest religious denominations, cer- 
tainly in this only land of entire religious freedom. If learning 
could with any tolerable honesty have twisted the testimony of the 



324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Scriptures against them — when the learning was, as to this matter 
of translation, wholly in their opponents' hands— would it not have 
so done ? But the Baptists are, in the main, contented to rest their 
case on the common English Bible. They have received both their 
faith and its ordinances from it, and it has proof enough that the 
first churches and first baptisms were like theirs. John's baptisms 
lead the way. He is emphatically the Baptist, or baptizer of the 
Gospels— a title descriptive of duty and office, which is frequently 
given to him by our Savior. * We assume, therefore, that John 
knew his duty, and did it in the best manner. [Though the mean- 
ing of baptism, or what was signified, was afterwards enlarged, 
none contend that the sign itself was altered.] Where then, and 
how, do we ever find him baptizing ? In the valley or the river of 
Jordan, always — requiring the inhabitants of the region round about 
"all Judea" that sought baptism, and even the more distant inhab- 
itants of Jerusalem, to come to bis baptism there. We never read 
of his baptizing anywhere else. The divine Redeemer Himself 
comes from distant Galilee to that consecrated stream for baptism. 
So must Pharisees and Sadducees and Publicans and Soldiers — all 
the country round about — if they would be baptized of Him, which 
Christ declares in effect to have been the duty of them all. (Matt. 
xxi. 25.) Where particular parts of the river or valley which he 
used are mentioned — one is Bethabara, a ford or a place near a ford, 
just such as we Baptists choose in country rivers — another is Enon, 
"because there was much water there." (Luke vii. 28 ; Matt. xi. 12.) 
The valley of the Jordan, according to the testimony of the best 
modern travelers, is to this day exactly the place for such a Baptist 
revival of religion as John conducted — the most suitable place still, 
perhaps, in all the world. Burckhardt finds the river fordable in 
many places during the summer, in the rainy season in few. Irby 
and Mangles, that the water reached the belly of their horses in 

*While the exact situation of Enon is not, perhaps, in modern 
times to be pointed out, the happy explanatory phrase of the Evan- 
gelist, near to Salim, suggests a remark or two bearing on our sub- 
ject. Salim was, according to Jerome and Eusebius, 8 miles S. of 
Scythopolis or Bethshan ; so was Enon, as they both state, confirm- 
ing the Evangelist's remark that the one place was near the other. 
Scythopolis has been well ascertained by Dr. Robinson and Burck- 
hardt to be but two miles from the Jordan, which here runs from 
N. to S. Neither Salim nor Enon could then have been far from the 
river ; they were clearly within the valley. Calmet's Dictionary, as 
edited by Dr. Robinson, speaks of Enon as between Salim and' the 
Jordan/ Scythopolis was not far off". If John resorted to Enon, 
near Salim, because there was much water there, would he not have 
gone to this place for the. same reason (not half a day's journey N,) 
had he not been as well accommodated in Enon ? Now at Scythop- 
olis there were two streams running through the city into the Jordan 
"almost insulating the Acropolis," says Dr. Robinson, "and uniting 
below" — over one of which are still seen the ruins of a fine Roman 
bridge. Such was the neighborhood for natural baptisteries; or ex- 
actly such as those which country Baptists to this day use. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 325 

-March ; afterwards it was much swolkn. Buckingham and Banks, 
that it was easily fordable, flowing over a bed of pebbles. Dr. Rob- 
inson's account of this river is much the same. The common testi- 
mony is that it has few rapids, but is a remarkably swift and silent 
strtam. How solemn and hi art-striking the asstmbly and in mer- 
sion of thousands on the banks, and in the water of such a stream ! 
Angels we know have rejoiced to witness these scenes, but no infe- 
rior mode of baptism can possibly renew them, or give anything like 
a just impression of their solemnity. The verdure of these banks 
is called in Zechariah (Heb. xi. 3) "the pride of Jordan," and the 
trees afford frequently what a late traveler calls "convenient and 
well-shaded dressing places for the numerous bathers who usually 
visit here." The centre and scene of John's baptism, then, are this 
river and valley ; that is clear, and stronger terms are used of the 
number of them than respecting those of any other party, Christ and 
His personal disciples not excepted. * What can plain people make 
of this? The man who baptized most in the New Testament, and 
who was sent of God emphatically to baptize truly or rightly, bap- 
tized in our w r ay. Did any popular Pedo-Baptist minister ever do 
the like in modern times? He calls up convicted sinners, and, in 
some cases if not to join the church, that they may be converted 
But who ever heard, except among Baptists, of converts being re- 
quired to seek the river's side, or any public water ? A small portion 
of the Pedo-Baptist ministers of this country perform their baptism 
in churches, and with the water contained in a basin ; the larger 
portion go round and administer this rite in the same way in private 
rooms. Now, why this palpable difference from the primitive pro- 
ceedings? They have changed the ordinance; they have not kept 
that which was delivered to the church for baptism. 

Our Saviour Himself never personally baptized ; although His 
taking up infants into His arms without baptizing them, is a favor- 
ite proof text for infant baptism in high quarters. * * But the scene 
in which, while He tarried with them His disciples baptized, is de- 
scribed as in the neighborhood of John's ministrations. $ The fair 
inference is, they all resorted there to administer the same rite in the 
same way. It is certain, says Neander, that He [Christ] went di- 
rectly to Enon, a name derived from a Hebrew word/, signifying a 
place abounding with water ; and Eusebius speaks of the place as 
^till pointed out in his day. 

The Eunuch's baptism (Acts vii.) is sufficient to establish the 
Apostolic practice. The Evangelist Philip had been preaching to an 
ignorant but ardent proselyte of Judaism — Christ and His baptism. 
Both are clearly included in preaching unto him Jesus. Now he 
must seize the first opportunity of confessing his faith in Christ. 
"See here is water!" Where? In the skins of water common to 

*Matt. iii. 5, 6. ** Episcopal Prayer Book, &*c. Here Mark x, 
13 is quoted expressly to show the grounds of infant baptism. 
8 Rom. iii. 23. 



il>6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

all travelers in the East of decent circumstances, or in a gourd easily 
rilled from them ? No; it is here b-y the road side,. The chariot 
must stand still for them to use it in baptism. They must both go 
down into the water, both Philip and the Eunuch, and when he- 
had baptized him both came up out of the water. "Here is water :. 
what doth hinder me to be baptized ?" asks the teacher. Two things 
then are clear here— one which respects the mode of baptism — the- 
other the subject, (i) Here was a "hindrance" to baptism, until the 
water at which they stopped the chariot, appeared — although this 
would be no hindrance to a Pedo-Baptist minister of modern times, 
similarly circumstanced, (ii) There would have been a hindrance 
to baptism at the water side, unless the Eunuch had been a believer 
—although this, the absence of faith, is no hindrance to baptism in 
our modern Pedo-Baptist churches. "It would be very unnatural to 
suppose," says the candid Pedo-Baptist Doddridge, "that they w T ent 
down to the water merely that Philip might take up a little water 
in his hand to pour on the Eunuch. A person of his dignity had no 
doubt many vessels in his baggage on such a journey through a des- 
ert country — a precaution absolutely necessary, and never omitted.' T 
Apostolic doctrine and inspired exhortations to duty, grounded 
on the true form of baptism, confirm the importance of abiding by 
that form. "We are buried with Christ by baptism into death.' 5 " 
What other mode but that of immersion in baptism buries anything 
but the hand of the administrator. "That like as Christ was raised 
up from the dead, by the glory of the Father, even so we also should 
walk in newness of life." Heb. vi. 4. What is there like raising any- 
thing up in that rite, but in such baptism as first buries the subject 
of it? Let a Commentator Chrysostom, of the 4th century speak 
here: "when we sink our heads in the water, as if we were in a 
tomb, the old man is buried and going down is hidded entire at once. 
To be baptized and to sink down, then to rise up, is a symbol of 
the going down into the grave and of the coming up from it." A 
parallel passage is found, Col. ii. 12. : "Buried with Him by baptism 
into death, wherein also ye are risen with Him by the faith of the 
operation of God." A burial and resurrection are both here said to 
take place in baptism. True it is, that the party being a professed 
believer, is said to be risen with Christ by faith. But this does not 
destroy the plain import of the terms, that there is a burial and res- 
urrection in baptism itself. It, the sign baptism, is figuratively a 
burial and raising up in all cases ; it is a burial and raising up with 
Christ, when the thing signified, a true faith in Christ is betokened 
by the sign. Afterwards come all the important exhortations of 
Col. chap. iii. founded on this appeal to the significant ancient bap- 
tism. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which 
are above.- 7 "Set your affections on things above," &c. None but 
Baptists ever are buried with Christ in the si£,n ! "Can we be buried 
with Christ by baptism and'in baptism? it has been asked. If in 
baptism itself there is no burial. The ancient method of baptism 
by immersion is here alluded to, says Mr. Wesley, on Col. ii. 12. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 327 

The concessions of very learned Pedo-Baptists on this subject 
.ire remarkable. We have only room for a few. They might be ex- 
tended to a large number. Prof. Stuart, of Andover, Mass., has de ■ 
voted a long public life to the criticism of the Bible. He has been 
among the most efficient promoters of the Biblical learning of the 
■country. What is his testimony to the meaning of the terms ren- 
dered baptism and to baptize ? Bapto, baptizo, mean to dip, pluuge, 
or immerse in any liquid. All Lexicographers and critics are agreed 
in this, he adds. [The Professor elsewhere expresses doubt as to this 
meaning being always retained in the New Testament, but this does 
not destroy his testimony as to the original meaning of the words,] 

The late Dr. Chalmers, of Scotland, is considered one of the ablest 
divines that country ever produced. In his commenting on Rom. 
vi:3-7 he writes, "The original meaning of the word baptism is im- 
mersion. We doubt not that the prevalent style in the administra- 
tion of the Apostle's day, was by an actual submerging of the whole 
body under water. In the act of descending under the water of bap- 
tism [we are conceived] to have resigned an old life, and in the act 
of ascending to emerge into a second and new life." "Alluding to 
the ancient method of baptism by immersion," says Mr. Wesley 
i Notes on the New Testament) on this passage. 

Dr. Samuel Johnson was the author of the first Standard Dic- 
tionary in our language and still remarkable for the learning he 
would pour out in common conversation. He defined in his Dic- 
tionary to baptize— as to christen; but being asked how he could ac- 
count for the bold alteration of God's ordinance which the Roman- 
ists make in denying the cup to the laity in the Lord's Supper, "I 
think," said he, "They are as well warranted to make this alteration 
as we are to substitute sprinkling in the room of the ancient baptism." 
The Romanists are consistent here; they do not pretend to find either 
alteration in Scripture, but refer openly to tradition and Mother 
Church for their only authority. Let us now open the more modern 
but highly valued Dictionary of Richardson, 2 Vols. 4to. The author 
is of the English Episcopal church. The only definition he gives of 
baptism is, "To dip or merge frequently, to sink, to plunge, or im- 
merge," giving as an instance : "Philosophy baptized 

In the pure fountain of eternal love 

Has eyes indeed." 
"I have heard a disputant," says Dr. Geo. Campbell, of Aber- 
deen, "in defiance of etymology and use, maintain that the word 
rendered in the New Testament, baptize, means more properly to 
sprinkle than to plunge, and in defiance of all antiquity to maintain 
that the former was the earliest and the most general practice in 
baptizing. One who argues in this manner never fails with persons 
of knowledge to betray the cause he would defend, and though with 
respect to the vulgar, bold assertions, generally succeed as well as 
argument, and sometimes better, jet a candid mind will always 
disdain to seek the help of falsehood in the support of truth." He 



32S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

complains that Protestant translators have not been so faithful as 
the Romanists in their account of the circumstances attending bap- 
tism. 

Prof. C. Arthur, of New York, has edited various Greek and 
Latin authors ; his editions are in constant use in our schools and 
colleges j he has been considered one of the most distinguished Greek 
scholars in the Union. Applied to on the subject by Dr. Parmly, of 
New York, he says in 1843 : "There is no authority for the remark 
of Dr. Spring relative to baptize. The primary meaning of the word 
is to dip, to immerse ; and its secondaey meaning, if it ever had any T 
in some way or other all refer to the same leading idea. Sprinkling. 
&c, are entirely out of the question." 

And here T am reminded of the judgment of Prof. Porson, the 
ablest Greek scholar in England, in my youth : "The Baptists have 
the ad vantage of us," he said to Dr. Newman, of London, "in the 
meaning of that word. It signifies a total immersion." 

The oldest and the latest of the Encyclopedias with which I am 
acquainted (the largest and most carefully prepared dictionaries in 
the English language) define baptism ; the first, Rees' Cyclopedia, 
1786, from the Greek baptizo of bapto — to dip or plunge, a rite or cer- 
emony by which persons are initiated into the profession of the chris- 
tian religion. The Penny Cyclopedia, 23 Vols., just completed. The 
words baptism and to baptize are Greek terms, which imply in the 
ordinary acceptation, washing or dipping. The Edinburg Encyclo- 
pedia [about midway] says: "In the time of the Apostles the form 
of baptism was very simple. The person to be baptized was dipped 
in a river or vessel, w T ith the words which Christ had ordered The 
Greek church retains the custom of immersing the whole body ; but 
the Western Church adopted in the xiii. century the mode of baptism 
by sprinkling, which has been continued by the Protestants, Bap- 
tists only excepted." 

Dr. Xeander, of Berlin, a converted Jew (expert in all manner 
of questions among the Jews,) and one of our greatest christian schol- 
ars and historians, writes : "As John's followers were entirely im- 
mersed in the water, so the Messiah should immerse the souls of 
believers in the Holy Ghost." Having been since written to on the 
subject, he says : "As to your question on the original rite of baptism, 
there can be no doubt whatever that in the primitive times the cere- 
mony was performed by immersion." [Letter to Rev. Mr. Judd, 
1833.] 

In the Biblical Cyclopedia, lately published by Dr. Kitts, a friend 
of Neander's contributes the article "baptism," which the latter re- 
vised. The work embodies contributions from a large number of 
the ablest Pedo-Baptists of Germany, England and America. Here 
we read the profession of faith [1 Petter iii. 21] Mas made (using) 
the formula, in the name of Christ, or according to Matt. xxv. 21, of 
the Father, Son aud Holy Ghost, when the whole body was ini- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 329 

mersed in water. Afterwards the writer speaks of "immersing the 
subject of baptism" as the usual way. 

We may close this part of the subject with the practical conces- 
sions of Episcopalians. The church of England directs the minis- 
ter, discreetly and warily, to dip the child in the water unless it 
should be weak, when it shall suffice to pour water on it. The Amer- 
ican Episcopal Church, to dip it in the water discreetly or pour 
water upon it, and furnishes a prayer to be read immediately before 
the immersion or the pouring of water. Not a word is here said of 
sprinkling, though that has become the general practice of those 
churches. The prayer book of each would certainly induce an im- 
partial reader to suppose that they preferred immersion, and Epis- 
copal clergymen have sometimes practiced it on this ground 
expressly, as the good John Wesley, in the early days of his minis- 
try. There is a remarkable entry upon the point in his Georgia 
journal. "Mary Walsh," he says, "aged eleven days, was baptized 
according to the custom of the first church and the rule of the Church 
of England by immersion." 

Dr. Wall, the ablest advocate of infant baptism in that church, 
wishes "immersion to be restored," and asserts that it was the gen- 
eral practice of the church for thirteen hundred years. So says like- 
wise Dr. Whitby, the celebrated commentator, on Rom. vi. 20: 
"Immersion was religiously observed by all christians for thirteen 
hundred years." Learned Pedo-Baptists will freely concede that in 
the practice of immersion we must be right, the whole amount of 
their efforts to defend any other mode is that it also may be right. 
In a matter of disobedience to our divine Redeemer, which must be 
the safer and more reverential practice — that of those who act upon 
a mere probability of being right, or that of those who act— their 
opponents being judges, upon an impossibility of being wrong! * 

Believers' baptism is also in the New Testament, closely inter- 
woven with its history, its doctrines, its whole plan of gathering) 
constituting, governing and disciplining the church of Christ. 

We advert again to the baptism of John, which may be called 
the lowest form of its application in the New Testament. He is a 

* A legal friend once pressed upon a Presbyterian of his own pro- 
fession the law maxim, that in the construction of a disputed word 
in a deed or will, that meaning must be received which best suits the 
words before and after. "Let us," said he, "try the various mean- 
ings that have been given to the word baptism in this way. They 
are but three — pouring, sprinkling, and immersion. Take all the 
varieties of each and try them." "To pour," Johnson says, "is to 
emit, give vent to, send forth, or let out in a continued course." 
Can we say, to take the short record of Philip's baptizing the Eunuch: 
"And he [Philip] emitted, gave vent to, sent forth, let out in a con- 
tinued course the Eunuch. To sprinkle, according to the same au- 
thority, is to scatter, disperse in small masses, scatter in drops. May 
we then say, "And Philip scattered, dispersed in small masses, scat- 
tered in drops the Eunuch ? But when I try the only remaining 
meaning to immerse, Johnson says this is to put under water, sink 
or cover deep ; and can I not say, Philip put under water, sunk, cov- 
ered deep the Eunuch ? 
42 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

preacher, the powerful and pungent preacher of repentance to all 
classes throughout his life; the entire multitude to be baptized are 

required to confess their sins. His whole preaching would have 
been thrown away, therefore, upon all the subjects of the Pedo- 
Baptist ordinance. He baptizes nobody but upon repentance, and 
speaks of the dawning clay of Christ as only to be more searching 
and particular in its requirements. His baptisms are not only those 
of moral agents, but of such only as are convicted and penitent sin- 
ners. In the same manner does the Savior begin His ministry. His 
first labors are described in the same terms with those of John. 
When he and His followers therefore make and baptize disciples, 
we cannot expect them to be of less decided moral and spiritual 
character. They soon became in this respect greater than John him- 
self. We now come to the commission given by our Lord to His 
church and her ministers; where, as the celebrated Richard Baxter 
says, "we should expect that He would be specific, and place all 
things in their due order." 

"This is not," he observes, "like some occasional historical men- 
tion of baptism, but it is the very commission of Christ to His Apos- 
tles for preaching and baptizing, and purposely expresseth their 
several works in their several places and order. To contemn this 
order is to renounce all rules of order." Baxter further says : "Those 
that say they are discipled by baptizing and not before baptizing, 
speak not the sense of the text -not that ,which is true or rational." 
Matthew gives the commission in three great parts. 1. Teach all 
nations. 2. Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost. 3. Teach them to observe all things that I have command- 
ed. Mark gives it in one single clause: "Preach the Gospel to every 
creature," adding the solemn sanction, "He that believeth and is 
baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned." 
These two versions of the commission cast great light on each other. 
Matthew's teaching before baptism is clearly the same thing as 
Mark's preaching the Gospel or good news; while the awful sanction 
added by the latter as clearly supposes that every creature to whom 
this Gospel is preached, can believe or reject it, for he is to be no 
le^s than— damned! who believes not. How utterly absurd and 
cruel to suppose for a moment that infants or idiots can be included 
here! On the day of Pentecost all the teaching and preaching are 
before baptism ; thousands pricked to the heart are exhorted to re- 
pent and receive in Christ's name the holy ordinance, and thus to 
save themselves from the coming judgments of their generation. 
"Repent and be converted. Ye are the children of the prophets! — 
God hath His Son to bless you in turning away every one of you 
from his iniquities, — every soul that will not hear that Prophet shall 
be destroyed from among the people," is the language of this memo- 
rable sermon. "Then they wiio gladly received the Word were bap- 
tized." We have no baptism on this record but that of such as were 
recipients of the Word preached. 

After the terrible punishment of Ananias and Sapphira, of the' 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 331 

rest not believers, we are told, "durst no man join" himself to the 
churches, "but believers were the more added to the Lord." On the 
larger scale of a city at Samaria, Philip acts as in the individual case 
of the Eunuch. "And when they believed Philip preaching the 
things concerning the kingdom of God, they were baptized." The 
persecuting Saul is converted, then baptized— Cornelius and all his 
house, after they had received the Holy Ghost. When the church 
increases anywhere it is because the Word of God grows and is mul- 
tiplied, because the churches were established in the faith, and the 
Lord opened the door of faith. Is Lydia and her household baptized/ 
It is the result of Paul's preaching in the prayer meeting by the river 
side ; the jailer and his household, because "he believed in God with 
all his house," as did Crispus/ and many of the Corinthians hear- 
ing, believed, and were baptized. This is the constant manner of 
expression with the sacred Penman — hearing, believing and being 
baptized. There are now in the churches but one Lord, one faith 
in the Lord, and one baptism into the faith. Of five household bap- 
tisms recorded, four are expressly said to have been all believers, or 
to have feared God and served Him ; and the household not thus 
described was that of a woman (Lydia) whom no one can show to 
have been married. Pedo-Baptism must 1st, marry her ; 2d, give 
her children ; 3d, infant children at this time, before this can avail 
that cause. Moreover there were believers in her house. See Acts 
xxi. 40. 

The highest obligations to christian duty are drawn in the Epis- 
tles from the vow and professions voluntarily made in baptism. Paul 
will devote entire chapters to exhortations thus grounded. Of Rom. 
vi. says Dr. Chalmers before quoted : "We have been in the habit 
of regarding this chapter as the passage of greatest interest in the 
Bible ; as that in which the greatest quantity of Scriptural light is 
thrown on the path of transition wmich leads from the imputed 
righteousness, which is by faith to the personal righteousness, which 
is by a new and spiritual obedience. Baptized inco his death, or re- 
garding ourselves as if like Him, we had actually been slain and 
buried, and like Him brought forth anew, and made alive again 
before God. 

1 Corinthians xv. 29. Here is a difficulty as to who are the dead 
intended, but none at all as the point of who are the proper subjects 
of baptism. The argument is, Why are any baptized [knowingly] 
for the dead, if they rise not ? They are baptized, believing in the 
resurrection of the dead. Can this be written of any but professed 
believers? 

Galatians iii. 27. As many of yon as have been baptized into 
Christ, have put on Christ; that is, says Dr. Macknight [another 
eminent Pedo-Baptist writer] have professed that ye have put on 
Christ— put on the very temper and virtues of Christ. Were not 
such parties baptized on their own professions and intentions ? In- 
tentional baptism is a strong motive to holiness, which all Pedo- 
Baptists must want. Their candidates are never intentionally or 
voluntarily baptized. 



332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Hebrews x. 22, 23 argues our privileges of being bold in prayer 
from our possession of true religion [having our hearts sprinkled 
from an evil conscience,] and our profession of it [having our bodies 
washed with pure water] — "a plain allusion," says Prof. Stuart, "to 
the use of water in christian baptism." How clear the order of pos- 
session and profession ! How beautiful the union ! God hath joined 
them together here : Shall we put them asunder? or try to move 
the cars on a railroad without a steam engine ? 

1 Peter iii. 21. The Reformer Beza and others suppose this an 
allusion to the answers of questions put to the candidate in primi- 
tive baptism. Can those have a conscience that answers to anything, 
who understand no question, and are held responsible by no law for 
any part of their conduct? "A good conscience," says Leighton, 
here, "is a working, speaking conscience ; and the conscience that 
questions itself most is of all sorts the best." So think Baptists with 
regard to this great matter of baptism ; but who beside ? 

Nor should we forget how instructive in our time is the silence 
of the New Testament on some subjects. "We have no such com- 
mandment," is a sound answer to a score of Romish traditions in 
religion ; as "we gave no such commandment" was a sufficient an- 
swer to the scores of Judaizing traditions in the Apostle's case. [See 
Acts xv.] 

It is marvelous, if infant baptism be a christian ordinance, that 
it should have been entirely unnoticed in the faithful Book of the 
Acts of the Apostles. This extends thirty years at least from the 
deatli of Christ — the Epistles thirty years farther. The Apostles 
must have seen a second or third generation in the families of some, 
yea many, of the thousands of early disciples; or tens of thousands 
of the children of believers. The writer of this letter, in much less 
time, has seen the children's children of many he has baptized, fit 
subjects for Pedo-Baptism, as it is commonly practiced ; yet out of 
the history of Apostolic baptism [if infants were baptized] are left 
all the cases that must, in the course of nature, have been most fre- 
quently occurring — the cases, too, such as would most frequently 
occur in all coming time — the pattern cases of all time ! No single 
record of such a case is found ; no admonition to parents or sponsors 
in regard to the treatment of this host of young disciples — not one 
to any of them as such. Who can believe this and hold fully that 
our religion is to be nothing but what the Bible teaches? No holy 
Apostle laments with the pious Leighton, the "much guiltiness" of 
the church in reference to infant baptism, or speaks of "the holiness 
and faith" that would be increased by pondering upon it— or calls on 
paretns to stir up themselves to the actings of faith on this account. 
What important parts of God's counsel did Apostles and Apostolic 
men neglect if this successor of the Apostles be right in his views of 
baptism ! We conclude, therefore, with the greatest of all protestant 
Pedo-Baptists— Martin Luther: "It cannot be proved by the sacred 
Scriptures that infant baptism was instituted by Christ, or begun by 
the first christians after the Apostles." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 33S 

£%* Particular reference was requested to be made in this letter 
to "those disciples whom Paul found at Ephesus." Acts xix. 1 ] 
We presume the inquiry is here to be regarded as two-fold : 

1. Were these disciples at this time baptized by Paul ? 

2. If so, why? Our answer is : We think they were baptized 
by the Apostle. Learned and good men have doubted this, but it is 
the most natural construction of the words, "They who were bap- 
tized in the name of the Lord Jesus" [verse 5] are they of whom it 
is said immediately ; "And Paul laid his hands on them [verse 6,] 
and they spoke with tongues." We think hebaptized them because 
their great former ignorance, both of the importanceof faith in Christ 
and of the work of the Holy Spirit — that they, therefore, had been 
very imperfectly instructed into John's baptism, which spoke of 
both of these themes, and especially of the baptism of the Holy 
Ghost. Apollos, the case immediately preceding, who knew only 
the baptism of John, does not appear to have been re-baptized. 

The writer's whole mind on the subject is briefly expressed by 
the latest and perhaps ablest of our Baptist controversialists — Dr. 
Carson. "That some of John's disciples," he says on this passage, 
"were afterwards baptized in the name of the Lord, I know, is dis- 
puted ; but for my part I can not see how this can be denied without 
torturing the Word of God, which I will never do for any cause 
whatever." I may add the supposition that these disciples were not 
the parties now baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, does torture 
the Word of God in this w-ay. 1. It makes the pronoun "them" of 
the 6th verse jump over the "they" who were baptized in the 5th, 
and go back for the parties referred to in the 3d verse— a kind of con- 
struction [after using the same pronoun they in the preceding verse] 
which is not to be paralleled in Scripture nor any grammatical 
writing. 2. It positively asserts that the New Testament nowhere 
else does, that John baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. John's 
was the baptism of repentance, and while he knew the Messiah to 
be immediately coming, and exhorted the people to believe on Him 
as the coming one, he did not personally know Jesus to be the Mes- 
siah until he baptized him ; and there is an evident change in the 
phraseology when christian baptism [strictly] is described. Compare 
Acts ii. 3 s1 : "Be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord 
Jesus." Acts viii. 16. "They were baptized in the name of the Lord 
Jesus." Acts x. 48. Peter "commanded them to be baptized in the 
name of the Lord." 3. The construction we oppose must be follow- 
ed throughout, if at all ; and (1) this would make Paul to have laid 
his hands on the disciples of John generally, the greater part of 
whom he never saw. (2) All those disciples to have spoken with 
tongues and prophesied — or thousands before the day of Pentecost. 
(3) Yet "all the men" to have been only "about twelve." 

T. Curtis. 
October 19th, 1849. 



334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

Crawley, Elder Edmund Albern, I). 1).. is a native of 
England, born January 20th, 1799, brought up in Sydney* 
Cape Breton; graduated from King's College, Nova Scotia. 
1819; converted in Granville, and baptized at Halifax. 
Nova Scotia, in 1827; abandoned the law and studied Bibli- 
cal interpretation under Prof. Moses Stuart, at Andover; 
was ordained at Providence, Rhode Island, in 1830. From 
1832 was pastor of Granville Street church, Halifax, Xova 
Scotia, for thirteen years: became professor in Acadia Col- 
lege at its inception, January 1839. Brown University hon- 
ored him in 1846 with 1). D. He became president of 
Acadia College in 1854; subsequently spent some years in 
the United States, and in 1867 resumed professorship in 
Acadia, and is now principal of the theological department 
in that college. Dr. Crawley was very prominent in origi- 
nating the educational movement among the Baptists in 
Nova Scotia, and also in carrying forward the work. He 
possessed a philosophic mind and splendid talents, is highly 
cultured. He is a sound theologian and a magnificent 
preacher. (The above is taken from Dr. Cathcart's Baptist 
Encyclopedia.) 

During the time Dr. Crawley sojourned in the United 
States he spent a portion of his time in the town of Shelby, 
N. C. He was pastor of the Shelby Baptist church in 1864, 
and was principal of the Female Seminary in Shelby, he be- 
ing then a member of the Limestone church. Spartanburg 
county, S. C. At the session of the Broad River Associa- 
tion in 1864, he was a delegate from the Limestone church, 
and prepared the circular letter addressed to the churches 
on the subject of "making our Ikes correspond to the meaning 
of the ordinance of baptism." And because of the great at- 
tainments of Dr Crawley we reproduce the letter for the en- 
tertainment of the readers of this work which is as follows : 

Dear Brethren : — If Baptist views are but Scriptural views, as 
we all confidently believe, it must be admitted that our faith binds 
us to some special duties in relation to it ; for as is the measure of 
our light, so must be the measure of our obligation. 

On the important duty of enforcing the Diviue authority of bap- 
tism, by making our lives correspond to the meaning of the ordi- 
nance, so as to become a counterpart of the main truths it speaks, 
we desire now to address you in a few earnest words. 

By mauy, we apprehend, this duty is feebly appreciated. We 
fear there is often a zeal for the truths we hold that consists only in 
outward form, and is unaccompanied with a corresponding zeal for 
those truths in their design and power. But if ''the immersion of 
believers" is an ordinance of God of so great moment that it demands 
the severance of all previous church ties, in order to form others on 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 335 

this new basis— if it often makes it a duty to forsake friends and 
kindred, and turn our backs on old and cherished associations that 
we may give the entire weight of our influence to the baptized dis- 
ciples of Jesus, it surely is needful that we show to those from whom 
we are thus severed that it is more than a form— an idea — that pro- 
duces the painful separation. If there be not life and power in Bap- 
tist belief, it might be a question whether the wounds that are often 
unavoidable in tearing away from other communions, are not a more 
serious breach of the law of love, than the denial or neglect of im- 
mersion is a breach of the law of form. 

But we hold that there is in the doctrine of baptism — that is, of 
the immersion of a believer into Christ — both power and life. Woe 
be to us Baptists if we fail to perceive or feel it. Is it not the admit- 
ted design of this ordinance to give new force to the highest truths 
of Christianity, by presenting them to the eye, as well as the under- 
standing in vivid symbol? 

Baptism proclaims the uncompromising character of the religion 
of Jesus, which tolerates no superficial work as fitting a man for 
heaven. No more adherance to forms, however just ; no improve- 
ment of character, even, however amiable, that does not involve, as 
a radical and essential element, ''being born again of water and of 
the Holy Ghost." The ordinance speaks this to the eye. The spec- 
tator is made to feel that to be a christian is a vast and vital change ; 
that those whom he has seen plunged in the liquid wave are not 
more separated from their former worldly companions by this image 
of death and burial than they are severed from them by the new 
principle of life within them, to which they are thus pledged ; and 
many a soul has retired from witnessing the ordinance, troubled in 
conscience by the conviction of his own awful peril unless he himself 
become what immersion vividly points to his view. This we all 
profess to believe and know. Do we not also know that this spirit-: 
ual power is to many lost, when they can derisively point to the 
worldly lives of Baptists as contradicting what we claim to be the 
divine meaning of baptism? Behold the Baptist, then, bound by 
his belief and his profession to be a living witness in his life and 
character of that spiritual element which the ordinance of baptism 
proclaims ! 

The degenerate world is continually falling back into that strong- 
hold of the enemy which puts from her substance, decency of out- 
ward deportment for radical change of heart and character. Behold 
the Baptist called, by the special voice of his Divine Master, to form 
one of a select band who shall storm that fortress and level it to the 
ground. Baptism is the ensign that waves over this band, for it 
proclaims: "Death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness." 
Who are you, my brother, that, by a cold conformity to this symbol 
as a mere rite, with whatever vehemence of argument to support it, 
are yet neglecting that newness of life which it proclaims ? 

Again, baptism significantly sets forth the purity of the new 
life which, in that ordinance, is openly commenced, Now, all 



336 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

agree in regarding water as an emblem of purity — an emblem, then, 
of the uew, pure life. But we as Baptists hold that the emblem is 
enhanced in its significance by the copiousness indicated in a total 
immersion, pointing to the abundance of Divine grace obtained by 
faith, and are, therefore, specially pledged to a life of purity— a life 
which means not merely pureness of conscience, as of one cleansed 
by the blood of Christ, but pureness of heart, intent and aim, as of 
of one sanctified by the Spirit, and striving after a perfect conformi- 
ty with that fear of the Lord which is clean, enduring forever. How, 
brethren, does such profession consist with Sabbath breaking, carous- 
ing with idle and worldly companions, or that overweening covet- 
ousness which has spread over the land like a curse, — wasting our 
spiritual strength more disastrously than an army of hundreds and 
thousands could lay waste and desolate the land? 

We might go on to remind you that the act of immersion, in- 
volving the idea of being planted with Christ in the likeness of His 
death, and thus becoming a special foundation for the assurance that 
we shall also be planted with Him in the likeness of His resurrection, 
binds the baptized believer to Christ under circumstances of signifi- 
cancy that no mere human device has pow T er to imitate ; that by the 
act of baptism we become, in a peculiar sense, Christ's men — bound 
by the most solemn of all pledges to obey, to love, to follow Him ; 
that it is Christ's voice in a new form of power and energy, calling 
us to his service; and that its solemnity is enhanced by the won- 
drous appeal made in its administration to the deepest mystery of 
faith — '-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ;" but we forbear 
to enlarge. Let those few remarks suffice to show — what every in- 
telligent Baptist admits — the life, and power, and speaking signifi- 
cance of our distinguishing rite, while we turn to ask why, with all 
this Divine power in the ordinance, and the abundance of the evi- 
dence that the immersion of believers is the only Scriptural baptism, 
are other christian communions so slow to render obedience to the 
mind of Christ on this point? 

It is not that these are destitute of the Spirit of Christ, for many 
of them evince as much piety as we, and often more than some of 
us. It is not that they neglect learning as an important aid to a 
sound interpretation of Scripture, for they are, in general, devoted 
to sacred literature, and diligent in its use. We may indeed appear 
partially to answer the question, by surmising that they are con- 
trolled by the mighty energy of public opinion, as formed and sus- 
tained by the wise and good of their respective bodies ; that supposed 
personal interest, and the influence even of more unworthy motives 
in some individuals may blind them to the truth. But does it not 
become us to ask whether we ourselves may not also be one great 
hindrance to the progress of our own principles ? 

If baptism, as we allege, is a meaning rite of most significancy 
— if the symbol of a death unto sin involves also as a consequent 
figure, the life of God in the soul, and is enjoined on every follower 
of Jesus, in order that by his burial in the baptismal wave his per- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 337 

sonal death unto sin may beset forth— nothing is more reasonable 
than that those who differ from us should require to see all this 
evinced in the pure and holy lives of the baptized ; that they should 
demand the evidence of greater grace as testifying the possession of 
a sounder faith. Are we able to render that evidence? Can we con- 
firm the Divine authority of our practice by pointing to the purer 
piety aud greater Christian energy aud faithfulness of the baptized 
eliuivhes of Christ ? 

If we are unable to do this, and turn in sadness and shame from 
the inquiry, then must wo acknowledge that we ourselves are a chief 
impediment to the progress of the truth we profess to love. Is it 
then strange that others fall back on their own ground, and become 
doubly encased in their cherished prejudices? This will not justify, 
indeed, a neglect of the evidence and the Scriptures, nor lessen their 
independent sufficiency ; but it may tend greatly to explain why 
men neglect that evidence, and may bring us in as guilty causes of 
it. The Scriptures are the sole and sufficient exponents of the Divine 
will in baptism; but the holy lives of the baptized were designed 
and adapted to be a mighty confirmation of that will ; if not, indeed, 
"strong as Holy Writ," yet possessing a peculiar fitness to win atten- 
tion to it. The lofty edifice of error has been often shaken. It has 
seemed again and again to be ready to totter to its fall. May not we, 
brethren, be withholding that last blow that would level all opposi- 
tion, and complete in the church of Christ a perfect copy of the 
Divine pattern — "one Lord, one faith, one baptism ?" Let those 
answer the question who have grown cold in the faith, who restrain 
prayer; who call not on God in their families; who neglect the 
assembling of themselves together, (as the manner of too many 
is;) who sjxmd the Sabbath in journeying, or in idle gossip; 
who "grind the faces of the poor;" and who "are not zealous 
for the truth ;" or whose hearts, during the terrible baptism 
of blood through which this nation is passing, are more intent on 
amassing money than in relieving the distressed, or in promoting 
the cause of true religion and holy charity on the earth. And let all 
remember that a zeal for our peculiar rite is only a shame and a 
mockery, unless we can point to the piety, and purity, and active 
usefulness of our churches, as attesting the Divine character of the 
baptism by which they are distinguished. Our Divine Master highly 
regarded this rite. He submitted to it Himself, with, the striking 
words: "Thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." On us 
descends, in His providence, the duty of maintaining by holy living, 
even more than b3 r Scriptural argument, this important portion of 
the Truth. 

Is it not time, dear brethren, that we should arise to a more seri- 
ous consideration of these things ? If we are the depositaries of a 
special trust, must we not expect to render a special account ? Nay, 
even now, do the Divine judgments on us as Baptists slumber? 
What then shall we saj of the spiritual death-spread over too many 
a Baptist community ? What of the frequent loss of important fields 
43 



338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

once ours to hold and to cultivate, but snatched from us through 
coldness and neglect? What of the shameful falls of distinguished 
names aoiong us, sending a pang of dismay and dread to the heart's 
core of the body ? And what of the present awful crisis in our 
public affairs, of which, as a Divine judgment for our sins, we, as 
Baptists, surely take our share, if we read not in all these things 
special indications of the displeasure of God, that call to the deepest 
searchings of heart? and among many sins are we not called on to 
confess and renounce the sin of failing to uphold the pure baptism 
of the Scriptures, by corresponding purity of heart and life — thus 
denying practically what we profess to believe theoretically — and 
throwing heavier impediments in the way of progress towards a 
Scriptural view of the ordinance than all the arguments used against 
it, and the prejudices that give them strength? 

E. A. Crawley. 
August 26th, 1834. 



Chowder, Elder James R., is a native of Rutherford 
(now Cleveland) county, K C. Born August 10th, 1821. 
Joined the church at Sandy Run in early life, and was licensed 
to preach by that church in 1840, and soon afterward ordain- 
ed to the full work of the Gospel ministry. He soon be- 
came a useful and popular preacher, and at the session of 
the Broad River Association in 1841, at Antioch church, 
York county, S. C, he made his first appearance in the as- 
sociate body as a delegate from Sandy Run church, then an 
ordained minister. 

He married Miss Biddie Beam, with whom he lived hap- 
pily and in tender affection until his death, which took place 
November 14th, 1844. And in the Minutes of the Broad 
River Association at its session held in 1845, at Philadelphia 
church, the following notice of his demise appears: 

Resolved, That we notice on the face of our Minutes the death 
of our beloved brother, Elder James Crowder, whom we esteemed 
as one among the best of men, and though we have sustained a 
great loss, we believe it to be his eternal gain. 

Elder Crowder was just in the bloom and vigor of man- 
hood when called away, occupying, it w T ould seem, a field of 
great usefulness. Although his opportunities for acquiring 
'an education to prepare him more fully for the arduous task 
of preaching the Gospel, had been very limited, yet he had 
been a very laborious Biblical student, and through the Di- 
vine unction of the Holy Spirit, whose influence seemed 
always to accompany his efforts, he had become a polished 
shaft in the quiver of the Lord. His manner of preacning 
was of an exhortatory character, and the appeals he made to 
his audience was almost irresistible, and seldom failed to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. SS9 

make good and lasting impressions. Revivals frequently 
followed his ministerial labors, and be accomplished much 
in building up the churches. 

Personal Appearance : — Elder James 1). Crowder was 
near six feet in height, well built, stood erect, florid com- 
plexion, fair hair and blue eyes, features line and beautiful. 
We thought him one of the handsomest men in the pulpit 
we almost ever saw. Withal, he had a musical voice, and 
was the very picture of good health in his entire make-up. 



Craig, Elder Thomas, of North Catawba River church, 
Burke county, N". C, was a member of the Broad River As- 
sociation at the session of 1820, at Mountain Creek as a lay 
delegate, and of 1825 at Buffalo as an ordained^preacher. 
We suppose he was taken into the Catawba River body 
when formed in 1827. We have no information as to his 
nativity, age, or qualifications as a minister. 

Crow, Elder Abram first appeared as a licensed preach- 
er and delegate from Ebenezer church, at the session of the 
Broad River Association at Buffalo in 18 i6. At the sessions 
of 1823 and 1824, at Reedy River and Head First Broad 
River he appears in the Minutes as an ordained minister and 
delegate from Friendship church. At the sessions of 1825- 
'26 he appears as a member and delegate from Buck Creek 
church. In ]830-'31- , 32 he turns up as a delegate from 
Bethlehem church, which church was dismissed in 1833 to 
aid in the formation of the Tyger River body, and probably 
carried with it Elder Crow, as we find nothing in the Broad 
River Minutes respecting him after the last named session. 
We have no reliable information as to the nativity of Elder 
Crow, but think he was of Rutherford county, N". C. Of his 
age or preaching qualifications we are not informed. 



Cockerham, Bro. William was a licensed preacher and 
delegate from Cross Roads church at the sessions of 1820- 
'21-'22, of the Broad River Association. We have no sub- 
sequent account of him. 



Carroll, Bro. Henry Williamson, a native of York 
county, 8. C, was born September 19th, 1819 ; married Miss 

Weathers, of Gaston county, 1ST. C. ; joined the Antioch 

Baptist church, and was lettered to Long Creek church, 
which latter church licensed him to preach in 1840. He 
was a young man of some promise, and had a good English 
education. While in the discharge of his ministerial and 



340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

oilier household duties he mysteriously disappeared, and 
lias never been heard of sinee. Foul play or murder has 
been strongly suspeeted of those who should have been his 
friends. Bro. Carroll was a delegate to the Association from 
Long Creek church in the sessions of 1842-'43-'44. He was 
respectably connected, and leaves behind him an orphan son. 



Dalton, Elder John was a member and representative 
of Bill's Creek church, Rutherford county, N. C, as far back 
as 1802, and was consequently one of the old Broad River 
pioneers. At the sessions of 1808 to 181.1 his name appears 
in the Minutes of the Association, marked with an asterisk 
(*,) denoting absence. We suppose he was an old superan- 
uatecl minister, whose name was continued in the Minutes 
as a delegate ; that he might, if able to attend the session, 
still serve, which it is known was the practice of some 
churches having the membership of old ministers. We are 
unable to learn anything more of the biography of Elder 
Dalton, but avail ourselves of the opportunity we have to 
transmit, his name as a minister of Christ to the present and 
succeeding generations of Baptists. Doubtless he has some 
surviving relatives or friends that will take an interest in 
perpetuating his name, who will be entertained agreeably in 
the perusal of a sketch of him, although brief and very im- 
perfect in its details. 



Davidson, Elder Adolphus Junius was born September 
18th, 1848 ; converted October 14th, 1865, and baptized into 
the fellowship of Camp's Creek church, Cleveland county, 
N. C, by Elder B. Bonner ; was licensed by the same church 
in 1872 to preach the Gospel, wherever God in His provi- 
dence might call him. He soon afterward moved to Ruth- 
erford county, K. C, where he was ordained, at the request 
of the Floyd's Creek church on the 27th of December, 1877, 
by a presbytery consisting of Elders J. II. Yarboro, Alfred 
McMahan and J. S. Ezell. Outside of his boyhood instruc- 
tion in the old field schools he has received some instruction 
in the schools of Limestone Springs, Boiling Springs and 
Wake Forest College. His English education is said to be 
tolerably ^ood, with probably a smattering of Latin. 

Elder Davidson since about 1872 or 1873 has been a 
member of theGreenRiver Association until 1880, he became 
a member again of the Broad River body. We have never 
had the pleasure of hearing or making his acquaintance, and 
cannot therefore make so full a sketch of his ministerial life 
as we could wish. He is only in the 85th year of his age, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 341 

just beginning to make a character for usefulness, and we 
hope the Lord of the Vineyard at his coming may realize a 
great amount from the talents entrusted to his care. 

On December 27th, 1877, he married Miss Ida B. Tyn- 
dall, who we hope proves a worthy and pious help-meet to 
him while toiling in the vineyard of the Master. May they 
both have an eye single to the furtherance of the great cause 
in which they are engaged. 



Dlxon, Elder Thomas was born December 24th, 1820, 
in York county, S. C. ; was baptized by Elder James M, 
Thomas in 1838, and ordained in 1844, Elders Wade Hill, 
T. K. Pursley and Spencer Morgan forming the presbytery. 

Elder Dixon has been instrumental in founding several 
churches; is a .zealous revivalist and successful preacher. 
His manner of preaching is of the exhortatory character, in 
which he manifests much pathos. He is considered a good 
pastor, generally having the care of three or more churches, 
to whom he preaches once a month. He has been until re- 
cently the pastor of Buffalo church for about thirty years, 
and New Prospect church for nearly as long. He has served 
Xew Bethel, Antioch, and several others acceptably ; is now 
the pastor of Sandy Bun, Bethel and New Prospect churches, 
to 'which latter church his membership belongs. About the 
year 1848 he married Miss Amanda Elizabeth, youngest 
daughter of Abner McAfee, Esq., now deceased, by whom 
he has three sons and two daughters. Plis eldest son, Elder 
Amzi Clarence Dixon, was the late pastor of the church at 
Asheville, 1ST. C, now called to supply one of the churches 
at Baltimore, Md. His other two sons are now students at 
Wake Forest College, young men of much promise. 

Elder Thomas Dixon was the first Moderator chosen to 
preside over the deliberations of the King's Mountain Asso- 
ciation, or rather of the convention that organized that body, 
and was several times chosen to preside since. He resides 
in the town of Shelby, Cleveland count} 7 , N. C, and yet 
prosecutes his pastoral work with vigor, and wields a lar.o-e 
influence in his Association. He has baptized and married 
a large number oi persons. 

In the year 1854 a Circular Letter, on the Nature, Design 
mid Application of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, prepared by 
Eider Dixon, was read and adopted by the body, which we 
here reproduce. Elder Dixon's scholastic attainments were 
somewhat limited and circumscribed, by reason of being 
"destitute of means to get an education in early life. He, 
like many other Baptist ministers, has had to weather the 
storms of adversitv. 



34L' BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The King's Mountain Baptist Association to the Churches in Union 

— Greeting : 

Dear Brethren :— Agreeably to the direction given us at your 
last session, we address you this year on the Nature, Design and Ap 
plication of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

The nature of the atonement that God required of man, after he 
sinned, was such that he, in his fallen state, could not render satis- 
faction to an infinite law ; hence Christ,, as our surety, came in as a 
mediator between an offended God, and man the offender, and un- 
dertook the great work of man's redemption, in order that he might 
be reinstated, or brought back into the favor of God. He came — not 
to establish the first covenant, which was a covenant of works, and 
which had been previously broken by apostate man — but more espe- 
cially to establish the covenant of grace, which is truly said to be 
the great key to men's salvation, which comports well with the lan- 
guage of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, ii. 8. "By 
grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves : it is 
the gift of God ; not of works, lest any man should boast." 

The covenant of grace was entered into by God the Father, and 
God the Son, ere the topmost dust of the earth was laid ; for He was 
set up from everlasting to everlasting — the same yesterday, to-day,, 
and forever. The same unchangeable I AM. And when we dis- 
cover that He came not to do His own will but the will of His 
• Father who sent Him, we at once see the peculiar fitness and pro- 
priety of the Apostle's language when he said, "God commendeth 
His love to us in, that while we were yet sinners, Christdied for us." 
And again the Prophet Isaiah [chapter 53d, 11th verse,] while dis- 
coursing on the subject of Christ's atonement, breaks forth in the 
following language, "He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall 
be satisfied; by His knowledge shall' my righteous servant justify 
many ; for He shall bear their iniquities." And in the 5th verse of 
the same chapter it is said : "But He was wounded for our trans- 
gressions, and He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of 
our peace was upon Him ; and with His stripes we are healed.' 7 
The word atonement properly means a covering, and intimates that 
our sins are, by a proper atonement, covered from the avenging jus- 
tice of God. In its nature it is generai — all sufficient to expiate the 
sins of the whole world, although special in its application. 1 John 
ii. 2, In the sacred volume we see many beautiful types shadowing 
forth the great sacrifice that was offered unto God, well pleasing in 
His sight, illustrative of that eventful offering that was made by Christ 
on Mount Calvary, to which we would briefly direct your attention. 
By a close attention to these types, the nature and design of the 
atonement will be simplified and made plain to all. By reference 
to the law of. sacrifices, as recorded in Leviticus, you will see that 
beasts or fowls without blemish were invariably selected; for in- 
stance, the gentle dove is always taken as an emblem of innocence ; 
or the ox, fitly representing patience ; or the lamb, which is gene- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 343 

rally regarded as an emblem of meekness and humility, — all of 
which, conjointly represent traits of character in a smaller degree 
that were amply reflected in the person and character of Jesus Christ 
.in His state of incarnation and humiliation, while He was engaged 
in the great work of atonement for the sins of the world. He was 
meek, innocent, and humble indeed — opening not His mouth when 
led as a lamb to the slaughter. But your attention is particularly 
directed to a sacrifice recorded in the xvi. chapter of the same book, 
to-wit : the sacrifice of the two goats that were to be offered once a 
year for general atonement. The officiating priest was required to 
array himself in linen garments, an emblem, no doubt, of Christ's 
incarnation, or the robe of human nature with which he arrayed 
himself when he came to expiate our sins on the cross. In this in- 
stance, on the appointed anniversary, or day of sacrifice, the priest 
offered expiatory sacrifices, both for himself and for all the people. 
Not so, however, with Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, whoneed- 
oth not, as those high priests under the law, to offer up sacrifices for 
his own sins first, and then for the people ; for He was holy unde- 
nted and without sin. 

Another difference will appear in, that the law made men 
priests that had infirmities, but the word of the oath since the law, 
maketh the Son, who is pure and consecrated a priest forever more. 
The Priest under the law T , on the day of atonement, made his solemn 
entrance into the holy place made with hands, with the blood of 
bulls and of goats — typifying, as the Apostle plainly declares, the 
entrance of Jesus Christ, the High Priest of good things to come, 
by a greater and more perfect tabernacle into the holy place not 
made with hands— that is, into Heaven itself, having obtained eter- 
nal redemption for us. 

Another ceremony, however peculiar to the law dispensation- 
will claim your attention for a short time. Besides the bullock and 
the ram, which Aaron was to offer, the first for himself and the sec- 
ond for the people, he was also to take for all the congregation of 
Israel, two kids of the goats for a sin offering, which were to be 
brought, as usual, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, 
but were not both to be killed, as were usually done ; for. by a cer- 
tain rite, the two victims were selected by lot— the one to be offered 
in the accustomed manner unto the .Lord, and the other to be pre- 
sented alive before the Lord, while Aaron, laving both his hands 
upon its head, confessed over it all the iniquities of the children of 
Israel— their transgressions in their sins. This latter was called the 
scape goat, which bore aw r ay the sins of the people ceremoniously ; 
so, Jesus Christ, though reputed as a sinner among men, was pure 
and righteous in the eye of God, and by His death and sufferings, 
bore away our sins, in His body, on the tree of the cross. They were 
imputed to Him and He bore the punishment clue to them. This 
was typified more fully by the goat which was slain and sacrificed. 
The flesh and blood of this creature are sometimes represented as 
possessing medicinal qualities, healing maladies, and softening rigid 



M BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

adamant, which, if true, is a fit emblem of the efficacy of Christ's 
blood in healing our sinful leprosies and softening our hand and. 
strong hearts, and changing them into hearts of flesh. 

The first goat was an emblem of Christ sacrificed for us ; for like 
other sacrifices, it was killed ; so in like manner was Christ put to 
death. Its blood was carried within the vail ; so Christ suffered 
without the gate. But let us direct your attention more particularly 
to the mystery of the scape goat, before mentioned. Its similarity 
in some respects to Christ will appear obvious to the most superficial 
observer. Like the other, it was to betaken from the congregation, 
of Israel, and doubtless it was purchased with the public money. 
So was Christ taken from among his brethren, and bought for thirty 
pieces of silver out of the public treasury. That He might be num- 
bered with the transgressors, and bear the sins of many, He was de- 
livered into the hands of His enemies, according to the determinate 
counsel and foreknowledge of God, and, bj 7 this same counsel, was 
determined to be done, whatsoever happened unto Him ; hence it 
was that Pilate was deaf to the remonstrance of his own conscience 
in condemning Him who was just and without fault, and hence the 
Jews preferred a murderer to the Lord of life and glory, when they 
desired that Barabbas should be released, and Christ should be cru- 
cified. 

It is true indeed that the great propitiatory has already been of- 
fered, never to be repeated again, because sufficient in its nature for 
the healing of the nations. For the nature, design, and application 
of the atonement of Jesus Christ was to prepare a people for Him, 
and by the instrumentality of the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus 
Christ by faithful ministers of the cross, to a lost and ruined world, 
— God attending the exhibition of, His own Word by the power and 
efficacy of the Holy Spirit, this great work is to be accomplished in 
the fullness of time. "For the Gospel is the power of God to every 
one that believeth ; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" or Gen- 
tile. And the Savior had a particular allusion to this when He said 
to His disciples, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to 
every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved - 
and he that believeth not shall be damned." It is clearly set forth 
in this passage that an application of the atonement or blood of Christ 
must be applied to the soul, to cleanse it from the pollutions of sin, 
which is done by exercising faith in Him. . For Jesus Christ said to 
Nicodemus, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born 
again"— born of the water and of the Spirit. The design of the 
atonement of Christ is therefore not only to wash away our sins in 
His own blood, but to prepare our hearts by the exercise of saving 
faith for the indwellings of His Spirit. "For if any man be in Christ 
he is a new creature— old things have passed away ; behold all things 
have become new." And it is also said that "the blood of Christ 
cleanseth from all sin," having our hearts sprinkled from an evil 
conscience, with clear water, and the law of the Lord written 
therein, which is the happy results of an application of the atone- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 845 

ment of Christ, having thereby obtained a part in the first resurrec- 
tion, on such the second death hath no power. As the blood of the 
sacrifice that was offered the evening before the children of Israel 
left the land of Egypt, they were to take the blood of the sacrifice, 
and strike it on the two side posts, and on the upper door post of the 
houses wherein they should eat it, for the destroying angel was to 
pass that night, and w r herever the blood was not applied to the door 
of the tent, he was to destroy the first born. And so he did ; for the 
next morning when they arose, the first born of all the Egyptians 
was dead, for the blood was not applied there, and the desOroyiug 
angel entered in and reigned there. Now what hinders us from view- 
ing Christ's blood in the same sense? The Savior said, "Except ye 
eat of my flesh, and drink of my blood, ye have no life in you ;" and 
this plainly teaches us that w T e must individually have an applica- 
tion of Christ's blood applied to our hearts, or the destroying angel 
^ which, in a spiritual sense, is the second death) will have power 
upon the soul to destroy it forever. O, the blessings that attend the 
nature, design, and application of the atonement of Jesus Christ ! 
for it is through it that we have the glorious Gospel preached unto 
us, and by it lost sinners, who are blind-folded by the god of this 
w r orld, can have a knowledge of themselves, and be brought into the 
glorious liberty of the children of God, and be made partakers of His 
holiness. But the Gospel must be preached, for God is a Spirit, and 
they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. 
And how can they call on Him, of whom they have not heard ? and 
how can they hear without a preacher ? Does it not therefore behoove 
the Church of Christ to use greater efforts to spread the glorious Gos- 
pel of a crucified and risen Savior? 

Dear brethren, permit us to say, in conclusion, that without an 
application of Christ's atoning blood, sinners will be lost forever. 
May every child of the Adamic family prayerfully consider this im- 
portant subject, and prepare to meet the God of all the earth in peace, 
is the prayer of yours, in the bonds of the Gospel. 

Thomas Dixon. 
October 20th, 1854. 



Dixon, Elder Amzi Clarence is not properly a Broad 
Eiver or King's Mountain minister, having left the bounds 
of these Associations while in the pursuit of an education, 
but having been born within the bounds of the King's Moun- 
tain body, we claim the right to class him with the ministers 
of that Association. 

He is the eldest son of Eider Thomas Dixon ; was born 
in Shelby, N. C, July 6th, 1854. He was graduated from 
Wake Forest College in 1875 ; read theology at Greenville, 
S. C, for a time, and w T as for three years pastor at Chapel Hill. 
He was recently the pastor at Asheville, 1ST. C, where he had 
much success in revival meetings. In compliance with a late 
call, he goes to take charge of the New T Baptist church atBalti- 
44 



346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

more, where, it is hoped by his many friends here, that he 
will distinguish himself as a successful worker in the Lord's 
vineyard. 



Doyale, Elder David was a member of New Salem 
church, and appears to have been an able and prominent 
minister as early as 1808, and for several years afterwards. 
Our own memory reaches so far back as to have heard old 
people speak of him who knew him well, and represented 
him as one of Broad River's ablest preachers. At the ses- 
sion of the Association of 1808 we find it recorded that Elders 
Drury Dobbins, David Doyale and Joel Blackwell were ap- 
pointed a committee to dissolve the Holly Springs church, 
which had become unable to keep house, and dismiss or let- 
ter the members thereof to other churches; and, at the same 
session. Elder Doyale was appointed to preach the next intro- 
ductory sermon to the session of 1809, and he continued to 
represent the same church until 1817. When he was born, 
or when he died, we have no means of ascertaining now. 
His name is preserved, however, by several namesakes he 
has, which is some evidence of his being highly esteemed as 
a minister of Christ. 



Dobbins, Elder Drury was a native of York county, 
S. C, and was the son of William and Susannah Dobbins, 
both of whom were worthy members of the Baptist church 
at State Line. Drury was born April 7th, 1776, in the ever 
memorable year of the declaration of the independence of 
the United States. 

In writing a notice of this venerable pioneer minister 
we can not avoid falling into the following reverie : The 
genuine glory of man consists in his nearest possible resem- 
blance to his Maker. His creation was the fairest page writ- 
ten in the volume of nature, and intended to display the 
brightest signature of the divine hand. The hand-writing 
was so clear and legible that the blessed worshipers around 
the eternal throne could read in it a new and surprising ex- 
ertion of their Creator's wisdom and benignity. Since that 
signature has been defaced and almost obliterated by sin, it 
becomes the labor of mercy and prudence in us to promote 
as far as practicable the restoration of its lustre, and to re- 
kindle its primitive glow of beauty. The office of drawing 
anew the lines of holiness and virtue upon the heart of fallen 
man has been undertaken by the same hand that first wrote 
them out. God himself has assumed the work of Restorer. 
He is making all things new ; He is overturning the old 
foundations, overruling for His own glory the faulty portions 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. o47 

of the ancient structure, and building up anew one which 
shall contain righteousness and true holiness. He has com- 
manded the whole human family to co-operate in this good 
and necessary labor of restoration. He has proposed a sig- 
nal increase of happiness to us, in calling us to a mutual in- 
strumentality in this labor. 

But this commendable enterprise finds among men com- 
paratively few advocates. Some contend that the page of 
human existence, as it now stands, is fair enough, and should 
therefore be permitted to remain as it is; others contend 
that if the last impressions are to be re-written, the hand that 
first drew them will take care that they be restored, without 
the interposition of any subordinate agents, and not a few 
give themselves no trouble on this subject. They are content 
to let the world go on as it is; they charge their crimes and 
follies upon tickle chance or blind fate, and wait for their 
destiny in a sort of sullen apatfcry. 

But there have always been a select few whom an ardent 
virtue imparted by the good spirit of God has raised above 
the common supineness of their race, who have exerted their 
noble powers in the most honorable efforts to benefit their 
fellow men. There still are a select few who take part with 
God in endeavoring to restore peace and order and happi- 
ness to His universe. It is their aim to renovate the moral 
character of man. This band of united brothers are the 
true benefactors of their race. They are the hostages which 
God permits to remain in the camp of His enemy, to prove 
his willingness to come to terms of reconciliation. They 
are the scattered lights which prevent the surrounding dark- 
ness from becoming total ; they are the priests of mercy who 
run betwixt the living and the dead, to stay the destructive 
ravages of the invading pestilence. In a word, they are the 
orators of peace, whose badges of office are the robes of sal- 
vation. They are of one heart. All their labors to brighten 
up the blotted page of humanity have a remarkable consent 
and harmony. Though centuries in time, and oceans and 
continents in space divide them, they speak and write one 
language ; they breathe from the same effusions of goodness; 
and when they retire from their labors they repose in the 
same eternity of peace. Heaven accords them a gracious 
welcome when they die, though earth feels not her bereave- 
ment. Angels receive joyfully their brothers, whilst men 
forget them. Eternity enrolls them among its jewels, whilst 
time frequently blots their names from its annals. But we 
must not imagine that their removal is a matter indifferent 
to all. Many anxious hearts pursue them with all those dear 
recollections that memory can supply, towards the mansions 



348 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

which they go to possess. They leave behind them all those 
cords by which they were bound to us, and we to them, rent 
asunder. 

Such is the train of our reflections in view of the short 
history of one who, with his numerous coadjutors, has fled 
from us like a winged dream — one whose morning opened 
upon us with great usefulness about the year 1800, and con- 
tinued for more than forty years brilliantly to enlighten and 
bless the churches under his care. 

He, like his pious father, was for a time an active and 
temperate deacon, whose fidelity to truth and honesty was 
never impeached. His mother was said to be a lady like 
unto Elizabeth of old — "walking in all the commandmeuts 
and ordinances of the Lord blameless." With such fortu- 
nate surroundings it is no marvel that Drury Dobbins, being 
rightly trained during his minority, waxed strong in spirit, 
and in the fullness of time ("about his 20th year") entered 
upon his great life-work — the preaching of the Gospel of 
Christ, This was of course a great cross and trial to one 
who had never enjoyed the advantages of education, beyond 
the very restricted confines of the old field school curriculum. 
He had very little knowledge of the grammar of the English 
language, and consequently his early discourses were often 
the subjects of criticism by the more learned, and he was 
often accused of "murdering the Queen's English;" still his 
words, though unpolished, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, 
as they no doubt often were, told powerfully upon the hearts 
of those who heard them. He was one of Nature's great 
men L and although he was modest and unassuming generally, 
he was by many recognized as an oracle, and his opinion 
carried more weight along with it than the combined forces 
of those who under better auspices had temerity enough to 
oppose his views. He was not only a power in the pulpit to 
stop the mouths of gainsayers, but his fireside discourses 
were just as potent ; indeed this appeared often to be his 
great forte. It was customary in his day, during the annual 
sessions of the Association, not only to discuss intricate and 
mysterious questions before the associate body during its sit- 
sings, but around the firesides of the good brethren, where 
the body was entertained during the nights, and here it was 
that Elder Dobbins seemed to take pleasure in drawing out 
the ideas and views not only of ministers, but lay members 
as well ; and any one having on their mind anything in ref- 
erence to texts of Scripture, or matters of experience or dis- 
cipline, was requested to submit it to the little conference 
for consideration. On such occasion the writer of this notice 
could not refrain from unbosoming hmiself of a matter which 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 349 

was not only bearing heavily on him at the time, but was 
one well calculated to disturb the equanimity of the little so- 
cial circle. We had been perusing Paine's Age of Reason, 
•and noticing the many assaults of the writer upon the Scrip- 
tures; and, by reason of his great sophistry and astute reas- 
oning, we had almost been deprived of our true balance, and 
therefore desired some discussion. We were aware that the 
evil spirit, or wicked one, was always on hand and ready on 
such occasions to suggest doubts to the mind. The follow- 
ing train of thoughts had been by some means evolved : It 
may be possible after all that rational Deism is the most con- 
sistent system of religious faith. That there exists a great 
Hist cause — a God, who created all things atter the counsel 
of His will — none but a fool would presume to doubt or deny. 
The works of nature, as displayed to our view and senses, 
abundantly prove the existence of a Great Architect, who 
made the worlds and put into motion the great machinery 
of the universe as we behold it. No mortal, frail as man is 
intellectually, and much more so physically, could possibly 
make any showing in an undertaking of such magnitude. 
The most sapient and astute of God's creatures are only able 
to acquire a mere smattering of the systematic machinery 
that God has put into operation for the government of the 
world. None does therefore doubt the existence of God. 
But here was the trouble noyv with us : has God given us a 
revelation of His will ? If so, is the book called the Bible 
that revelation ? Is that an inspired book ? Have we the 
evidence sufficient to satisfy our minds of its truthfulness and 
authenticity ? 

Elder Dobbins, in reply said, the question unexpectedly 
started by us was a very grave and serious one that had 
troubled a great many minds, and one that each of us had 
to decide for him or herself. "In the mouth of two or three 
witnesses shall every word be established," "if," said he, they 
be good ones;" but without attempting to make any disqui- 
sition at this time as to the evidence and feasibility of the 
revelation as contained in the Testaments, we will only add 
now that the importance of revelation is by nothing render- 
ed more apparent than by the discordant sentiments of learn- 
ed men. This shows the insufficiency of human reason, and 
when we become persuaded of this insufficiency we should 
act rationally and be disposed to investigate with seriousness 
and impartiality the truth of Christianity. While it animates 
our body we may know some of its properties; but when 
once separated we know not whither it goes or from whence 
it comes. Since then the Gospel pretends to give us clearer 
notions of this matter — we ought to hear it, and laying aside 



350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

all passion and prejudice, follow that which shall appear 
most conformable to right reason. What a blessing is it u> 
beings, with such limited capacities as ours confessedly are,, 
to have God himself for our instructor in everything which 
it much concerns us to know. We are principally concerned 
in knowing not the origin of arts or the recondite depths of 
science; not the histories of mighty empires desolating the 
globe by their contentions; not the subtillies of logic, the 
mysteries of metaphysics, the sublimities of poetry, or the 
niceties of criticism. These and subjects such as these, prop- 
erly occupy the learned leisure of a few, but the bulk of hu- 
man kind have ever been and must ever remain ignorant of 
them all. Taking this view of things, it is not needful that 
we should speculate and disturb our minds about the matter,, 
but as rational creatures "lay hold of the hope set before 
us" and take our chances in the paths opened up for us in 
the Bible; and if, said he, it ultimately turns out that the 
Scriptures be priest-craft — a mere myth — then the chances 
of those believing in its truthfulness and adhering to its max- 
ims of truth, honesty and fair dealing, will be found on as- 
good footing as those who endeavored to subvert it. 

A disposition more or less to skepticism, he said, he be- 
lieved was common to our nature, in proportion as opposite 
systems and jarring opinions, each being supported, by a 
plausibility of argument, are presented to our minds, and, 
with some qualification, we will admit of the remark that he 
who never doubted, never believed. While examining the 
grounds of persuasion, it is right for the mind to hesitate. 
Opinions ought not to be prejudiced anymore than crimi- 
nals. Every objection ought to have its weight, and the 
more numerous and forcible objections are, the more shall 
we finally ha^e for the triumph. 

At last we are compelled after in vain casting about for 
some new discovery, to lay hold of the atonement made on 
behalf of sinners by the Son of God — the doctrine of the 
cross, Jesus Christ and him crucified : "Lord,l believe : help 
thou my unbelief," Here we must cast anchor unavoidably. 
It surely cannot be a matter of small concern whether the 
Creator of all things, out of mere love to rebellious men, ex- 
changed a throne for a cross, and thereby reconciled a ruined 
world to God. 

Man is a depraved creature— so depraved that his judg- 
ment is as dark as his appetites are sinful — wholly depend- 
ant, therefore, on God for religious light as well as true 
devotion, yet such a dupe to pride as to reject everything 
which the narrow limits of his comprehension can not em- 
brace, and such a slave to his passions as to admit no law 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 351 

imt self-interest for his government With these views of 
human nature, we are persuaded we ought to suspect our 
•own decisions whenever they oppose truth too sublime for 
our understandings or too pure for our lusts. To err on this 
side indeed is human, wherefore the wise man saith, "He that 
irusteth to his own heart is a fool" Should therefore the 
evidence be only equal on the side of the Gospel of Christ, 
I should think with the allowance we should do well to ad- 
mit it 

We thought the remarks appropriate, and felt that we 
were benefitted thereby, and therefore commend them to 
•such as may be laboring under a like hallucination of the 
brain, caused, by the perusal of infidel works, or otherwise. 

CHURCH GOVERNMENT. 

We give from memory the substance of a conversation 
we once had with Elder Dobbins, on the subject of Episco- 
pacy. We asked him for the Scriptural authority relied on 
by Episcopalians for the three distinct orders of Bishop, 
Elder and Deacon in the Gospel ministry. He answered 
that he did not conceive that there existed in the New Testa- 
ment any such authority, in the sense maintained by the 
Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, or the 
Methodist Episcopal church as founded by Wesley, or, more 
properly, by Coke and Asbury. He insisted that Bishop and 
Elder were synonymous terms, meaning the same thing, the 
former having no jurisdiction or control over the latter. 
The idea or notion, said he, that there is Scriptural author- 
ity for placing a Bishop or superior spiritual head over the 
elders of the several churches to whom they must make 
report of their stewardship, as unto men and not unto God 
alone, is simply absurd, not to say ridiculous. Bishops and 
Elders are nowhere named together as being distinct orders. 
Not so, however, in reference to Bishops and Deacons — a 
Bishop is on a par of equality with an Elder in regard to 
the administration of the Word and ordinances of the 
Gospel — while the Deacons are only the dispensers of the 
temporal or secular affairs of the churches — not being or- 
dained or set apart to the work of the ministry. We ask- 
ed why the three titles were used, apparently denoting 
distinct functions or orders? He answered that simply be- 
cause the term "Bishop" was in existence previously in 
the Jewish church ; and when the organization of the 
christian churches in Gentile cities involved the assignment 
of the work of pastoral superintendent to a distinct order, 
the title at once presented itself as convenient and famil- 
iar to all, and was therefore adopted as readily as the term 



352 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

''Elder" had been in the mother church at Jerusalem. Hence 
we have in use both the terms, "Bishops" and "Elders" from 
that day to the present time, but in every sense of the word 
they are of equal purity and significance. Abuses of these 
terms have crept into the church surreptitiously probably,, 
caused doubtless by the promptings of ambitious desires in 
men to occupy high places and he called "Rabbi" or spir- 
itual lords, or potentates in the church of Christ. In the 
beginning it was not so, but gradually during the great 
apostacy, ministerial purity was ignored and a very differ- 
ent system of church government adopted, which has not 
been properly wiped out by the Reformers. 

Elder Dobbins said further, that no good argument 
could be made, from the fact that Phillip (who was one of 
the first deacons) preached the Gospel to the Ethiopian 
eunuch, and baptized him ; that therefore deacons as such 
had authority to preach and administer ordinances. Phillip, 
he said, had no doubt served for a time as he had done 7 
in the capacity of a deacon, and afterwards acceded to the 
ministry, and was at this time an itinerating evangelist on 
his way from Jerusalem to Gaza to do the work of such min- 
ister. 

Elder Dobbins was religiously, as well as politically, a 
democrat of the straitest sect ; he cherished such views as 
were conservative and tended to the best interests of the 
church, and also of the State. He was of the opinion that 
the affairs of church and State should be kept separate and 
apart from each other ; that a minister of Christ should give 
his whole time to the preaching of the Gospel, and in no 
case turn aside to dabble in the mire and filth of politics. 
Like his Baptist predecessors he was, however, a great advo- 
cate of soul liberty. He was one of those who greatly 
admired the God-given privilege of sitting under his own 
vine and tig tree and worshipping the true Gocl according 
to the dictates of conscience, not fearing or in the least 
dreading the interference at any time of the emissaries of a 
state church. He wished the National Legislature to adhere 
rigidly to the constitutional and wise policy of liberal tolera- 
tion to all the different sects or denominations to worship 
God in their own preferred way, according to their under- 
standing of the teachings of the Bible. He was opposed to 
any interference or meddling with such things on the part 
of the Cougress, further than "to say their own prayers." 
In other words, he was in favor of the people ruling the 
State: and the clergy and laity as equal peers ruling the 
church, with a free ballot in their hands. Elder Dobbins 
viewed the Episcopal form of church government with an 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 853 

eye of suspicion and jealousy, believing that the rights of 
the laity was not properly respected under such a sybterm 
We have heard him express astonishment that so many of 
the professed advocates. of religious liberty should so often 
be found encumbered with the shackles of episcopacy. It is 
true, he remarked, that within the last half of the present 
19th century some changes have heen made, and we find 
now in the various Episcopal conferences of the last few 
years a few lay delegates which, however, is rather an ex- 
ception to the former rule, and an augury we hope of a revo- 
lution or change in the Episcopal system. But why, said he, 
is this ? Is it because of the restless attitude of the people 
or membership? or is it because Episcopacy is radically wrong 
and inexpedient, to say nothing of its unscripturalness ? If 
the people at any time have fearful apprehensions of popery 
in a new dress, let them at once begin to consider the evil 
nature and tendencies of the Episcopal system of church gov- 
ernment. Let them judge the future by the past and profit 
by the comparison, said Elder D. There can be but little 
danger of priestly usurpation and domination, if the several 
churches be watchful and careful in the maintenance ot their 
independence and reserved rights as vested in them when 
constituted ; but if the inherent rights of the churches should 
at any time, by latitudinous construction, be gradually sur- 
rendered, and unlimited delegation of power be made to a 
judicature claiming the right to rule all for the general good, 
then may we, as Baptists begin, when probably too late, to 
have serious apprehensions for the future welfare of our in- 
dependent system of church government and prepare for the 
manacles that such a course would be productive of forging 
for us. As Baptists, however, we are too fond of freedom 
for this dire result to overtake us : it is necessary however 
sometimes to sound the alarm at the approach of danger. 
It is our province to raise the watch-cry of the celebrated 
Patrick Henry, the Virginia statesman, "Give me liberty or 
give me death" — whether it be religious or civil liberty that 
is likely to be imperilled, it does not matter, for they are in- 
separably counected ; and Baptists should be ready at all 
times to contend as readily for one as the other, because the 
success of one is entirely dependent upon the success of the 
other. 

SERMON ON BAPTISM. 

In the year 18 — , a Methodist circuit rider within the 

bounds ot Elder Dobbins' diocese, preached several times on 

the subject of Baptism, with a view doubtless of proselyting 

some unsuspecting young member of his flock into the folds 

45 



334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of the Methodist Episcopal Society. With a view to foiling 
an attempt of this sort in its earliest incipience, a few of the 
leading Baptist members thought it advisable to urge "uncle 
Drury" to preach an opposition sermon or two on the other 
side of the mooted question, to quiet the consciences of such 
as might be zealously affected. " He consented to do so, 
and accordingly published an appointment for that purpose. 
The appointed time arrived, the day was fair, and the con- 
gregation was extraordinarily large. Elder Dobbins usually 
had good congregations, but this being an unusual appoint- 
ment, brought to the front nearly all the members or adhe- 
rents of all the different religious sects within a considerable 
distance around. The preacher read his text from Malachi 
iii. 3. "And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; 
and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold 
and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in 
righteousness." [Rather a strange text?] We were on hand 
for the purpose of hearing and taking notes of the discourse, 
which was substantially as follows : The preacher first made 
some prefatory remarks in reference to the morbid state of 
feeling or curiosity that impels people to attend controversial 
discussions. He did not denounce the practice as being im- 
proper, but it evinced a disposition to glory too much in an 
arm of flesh — too much dependence generally being placed 
in the colloquial powers or astute skill of the speaker. His 
motto was, tw to the law and to the testimony : if they speak 
not according to this rule, it is because there is no truth in 
them." 

He then called the attention of the audience to the 
preaching of John the Baptist, in the wilderness of Judea, 
showing from the Scriptures the nature of his commission — 
to preach repentance for the remission of sins — to 'point out 
to the people the coming Savior, on whom they were to be- 
lieve ; and having done this, he baptized those who went 
out to him from Jerusalem and Judea, and all the region 
around, in the river Jordan. What could be plainer? If 
John baptized only those who were capable of confessing 
their sins, and then baptized them in the river of Jordan, 
where is the warrant for sprinkling babies in the days of 
John the Baptist? Of course there is none. Jesus Christ 
here set the great example Himself for all His followers. 
He came from Galilee to Jordan to be baptized of John, and 
although John felt his unworthiness, yet he baptized Him in 
the river of Jordan, for it is recorded, He went up straight- 
way out of the water. Matt. iii. 16. Now, said Elder Dob- 
bins, if King James' translation of the Scriptures be correct, 
baptism was then rightly administered by immersion, for 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 855 

baptism is immersion itself, and the subjects were such as 
could make a confession of their sins. But, says an objector, 
this may all be so in reference to John's baptism, but the 
christian baptism afterwards instituted was different. "Go 
ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Sou, and of the Holy 
Ghost — teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I 
have commanded you ; and lo ! I am with you always, 
even unto the end of the world. Amen!" The foreo'oin^ 
is the christian formula. To say that it is different from 
John's, is a mere quibble, and unworthy of the considera- 
tion of any candid mind. While the meaning of the Greek 
word "baptize," is "immersion," in English, the ordinance 
will always be rightly administered by immersion ; and the 
subsequent practice of Christ's apostles proves its validity 
beyond the possibility of a reasonable doubt. Witness first 
the case of the Ethiopian Eunuch, by Philip, the evangelist. 
Acts viii. 38, 39; Rom. vi. 3-5. The objector, however, says: 
If Philip and the Eunuch both went down into the water, 
then were they both immersed ? This allegation is hardly 
worthy of the name of a quibble, said the speaker, it is so 
flimsy and devoid of common sense. What says the Word ? 
"And they went down both into the water, both Philip and 
the Eunuch, and he (that is Philip) baptized him." Without 
himself being baptized, of course, only partially, which 
would render the baptism incomplete, and without point or 
meaning — something similar to baby sprinkling, as to sig- 
nification. Away with such nonsense ! 

Elder Dobbins, then passing over the baptism of Paul 
the Apostle, with proper comments, noticed the baptism of 
Cornelius and his friends, and Lydia and her household, and 
the Philipian jailer and his (Acts xvi.) He said Lydia had 
a right to he baptized accordingto the order of Jesus Christ, 
being as she was a believer. But betore an argument can 
be drawn from the circumstances favorable to infant sprink- 
ling, our opponents must prove that Lydia was married to a 
husband, and had infant children ; that her children were 
with her at Philippi, and then that such were actually bap- 
tized. The language employed by the inspired historian ev- 
idently implies, a single female at the head of a family and 
at the head of a business. And the fair conclusion is that 
her household were servants, or, if her children, that her 
husband was deceased, and her children so far advanced in 
life as to join in her journey, her business and her worship, 
and thus they would be capable of instruction, faith and 
baptism, as Christ commanded ; and as in effect plainly 
stated of the household of the jailer, who could not have 



S5G BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

been infants, or persons so young as to be incapable of being 
taught the Gospel and of believing it, from the fact we read 
in verse 32d : "they spake unto him the word of the Lord, 
and to all that were in his house." 

Elder D. took a cursory glance at several other passages 
ot Scripture, as much as his time would admit of, and ar- 
rived at the conclusion that "infant sprinkling" was not au- 
thorized by the New Testament, but had its origin in a 
corrupt age of the world, when the Roman Catholic church, 
having apostalized from the true faith of the Gospel, had 
become a secular body and merged itself into the State au- 
thority. Then it was adopted as an expedient measure to 
bring the whole world into the church (so called) to strengthen 
the secular arm ; then it was that the laws' of Christ were 
ignored, and new rules and regulations entered into for the 
convenient government of the church, or, more properly 
speaking, hierarchy, as it then had become. The ordinances 
as once delivered to the saints at a more early day were set 
aside, and those christians, yet disposed to contend for sound 
words, were forced to wander about in sheep skins and goat 
skins, of whom it was said "the world was not worthy" until 
the days of the reformation by Luther, Calvin, etc., when 
the condition of such were somewhat ameliorated and made 
more tolerable. 

What a great pity, said the preacher, that the Reformers 
suffered this relic of popery, "infant sprinkling," to remain 
and be fostered and propagated in the reorganization of the 
apostate church, which was then groaning for deliverance ! 
It had however been so long recognized through the teach- 
ings of wily Catholic Priests as being essential to salvation, 
and by them considered a direct passport to the heavenly 
world, that ignorant, priest-ridden parents, out of regard to 
the eternal welfare of their offspring, were thereby induced 
tenaciously to hold on to it as a sine quanon, or matter of life 
and death. And it is doubtful whether the vehement earn- 
esty and thrilling eloquence of even Luther and Calvin, with 
the co-operation of the many other reformers, could have 
succeeded, in case they had at that time leveled their batte- 
ries against infant sprinkling, which had certainly become 
one of the main pillars of popery. Elder D. however ex- 
pressed great thankfulness for the progress of Baptist princi- 
ples- within, tbe past century. The practice of infant sprink- 
ling is now rather the exception than the rule in many 
localities. The people are becoming more enlightened on 
tbe subject, and many persons, although they are content to 
remain in Pedo-Baptist organizations, yet neglect the christ- 
ening of their children, because doubtless they make it a 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 35? 

ffnntter -of conscience; and finally, though gradually, the great 
popish pillar will tumble down and succumb at last, after 
.having stood so long doing battle against the opposing forces 
<ot truth. 

Elder Dobbins had brought into the pulpit with him as 
helps several books on baptism other than the Bible, and had 
intended drawing upon them for some items in reference to 
the sayings of the ancient Fathers and the many fatal ad- 
missions of eminent Pedo-Baptists, but declined to use them, 
•saving the circumstance reminded him of the putting on 
David, Saul's apparently superior armor, which he hud not 
used, and which did not well tit him, to. go against the great 
Philistine Goliah. He, like David, preferred to go to the 
brook of eternal truth, and gather from it the five smooth 
stones as arguments he had just used, believing that under 
the guidance of the God of battles he would have greater 
success, > 

He then respectfully addressed himself earnestly and 
somewhat pathetically and tenderly to his young circuit rider 
friend (who was present in the congregation, an attentive 
listener to what was said,) to treasure up the things he had 
heard in an honest heart, and weigh them well, and he would 
implore God's blessings on him in his researches after the 
truth. We never heard anything more of the baptismal 
controversy in that section of the Lord's vineyard. It seems 
to have received its quietus, and the sermon doubtless was 
productive of good results, and we therefore favor such a 
course in opposing error whenever there exists a like neces- 
sity for it. Faithfulness becomes the followers of Christ. It 
is their duty as well as privilege to "stop the mouths of gain- 
savers." To contend earnestly for the faith once delivered 
to the saints;" to be instant in season, and sometimes even 
out of season, if such can be the case in the discharge of 
duty, having always an eye or view to the furtherance of 
God's glory, and the defense of the great and fundamental 
truths of His Gospel. In a course of this kind we have a 
right to expect His favor and blessing ; and whether it meets 
the approbation of the world, we need not so much care, so 
that we may be able to have a consciousness of having done 
our duty. Whether the circuit rider became convinced of 
his error or no, we are not fully aware, but we do know that 
in a short time afterward he abandoned the Methodist min- 
istry. 

FAVORITE TEXT. 

"Walkabout Zion, and go round about her : tell the 
towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks, and consider 
her palaces, tha{ ye may tell it to the generations following." 



3")8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Psalms xlviii. 12, 13. We haveheard Elder Drury Dobbins 
at different times on the above favorite text, "Walk about 
Zion," &c. In descanting upon these lines of holy writ he- 
would ask his congregation to imagine themselves literally 
walking around the city of .Jerusalem in solemn procession,, 
and while they joyfully praised and blessed the Lord, to- 
mark all the towers, walls and palaces, observing that not 
one of them had been in the least injured by their formida- 
ble invaders. This would tend to impress their minds and 
prepare them faithfully and diligently to preserve the memory 
of these interesting events for the benefit of future genera- 
tions. This exact survey of Jerusalem's walls and fortifica- 
tions, to be transmitted to posterity, might also intimate that 
they were typical of more permanent privileges, and they 
(the walls) w r ould after a time be demolished, that the things 
signified by them might remain forever. The followers of Christ 
should therefore endeavor to counteract every disposition to 
faint, despond or renounce the profession of the Gospel, be- 
cause of persecutions; considering them as fatherly correc- 
tions for their profit, submitting to them as such, and seeking 
to have them sanctified, and directing and encouraging each 
other to take the same course. Thus they ought patiently 
and firmly to maintain their profession, and go on in the path 
of holy obedience, and, by proper instruction, admonitions 
and counsels, to remove every false doctrine and every stum- 
bling block from their pathway. 

We are unable to report anything more than a mere 
smattering of the good things he said on this, one of his 
favorite texts, in which he seemed to take so much delight; 
suffice it to say, his audience was always greatly edified by 
his pleasing and burning words. 

Elder Dobbins was considered by some who had not 
studied him aright, a Fatalist, or Antinomian, as others would 
allege. He was however far from being either the one or 
the other. That he was a predestinarian of the John Grill 
school, we do not deny, but while that is admitted, we claim 
that he was not only in company with Dr. Gill, but also with 
the distinguished Apostle to the Gentiles, both of whom ap- 
peared to be strong advocates of the doctrines of grace asset 
forth in the New Testament. 

He was denounced too as a "Hard Shell," opposed to 
missions, education, and religious efforts of almost every 
kind to spread the Gospel. Such an allegation is not only 
untrue, but destitute of any solid grounds whereon to base 
euch a charge. His whole ministerial life proves the falsity 
of the assertion. He was not only an advocate for and con- 
tributor to Foreign Missions, but in the Home Mission de- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 359 

jpaitmcnt he and his fellow-laborer, Elder B. Hicks, went 
-everywhere among the churches preaching the Word, and 
as, in the apostolic age, much and lasting good resulted from 
their labors. 

In regard to ministerial education, we have heard him 
•deploring his great lack of seholastic attainments — how great 
was his embarrassment when associated with the more learn- 
ed in the discharge of his ministerial duties, to acquit himself 
properly as a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 
rightly dividing the word of truth, &c. 

We have however heard Elder D. repeatedly say that 
he was not fully in accord with the idea of educating young 
men with the express view of making ministers of them, in- 
dependently of a special call from God, qualifying them 
expressly for the great and responsible work of preaching 
the Gospel ; that it is abundantly observable that God often 
chooses the very weakest things of the world to confound the 
mighty, who gradually grow and become polished shafts in 
the quiver of the Lord, and that such are the characters who 
need and should receive the fostering care of the schools and 
patronage of the churches. 

In tracing the life and character of Elder Drurv Dob- 
bins, we are much impressed with the fact that he was one 
of Nature's great noblemen — that few are found to be his 
equal peers. It is truly remarked, there is no man faultless 
— all have their foibles to combat — but agreeably to the gen- 
eral estimate of those who knew him best, he came as near 
an exception as it is possible for any to be. He was very 
deliberate and dignified in his manner, and somewhat slow 
in arriving at a conclusion — to which point he never would 
arrive until after he had examined all the weak points of the 
case supposed to be assailable. But after having done this, 
and finding all right according to his judgment, he then took 
a position which he maintained as an impregnable fortress, 
and defied the missiles or shafts of an opponent, come from 
whatever direction they might. 

Notwithstanding Elder Dobbins' lack of scholarship 
was deplorable and notorious to the literary world, yet his 
innate, natural powers of mind and memory gave him the 
character of an intellectual giant — so much so that the more 
refined and educated dreaded taking a tilt with him in debate. 
As an evidence we reproduce from Elder Barnett's history 
of the Broad River Association the following incident : "At 
the session of 1846 the adoption of a circular letter w r as the 
question before the body. Dr. Thos. Curtis took' a very act- 
ive part in the debate in behalf of the circular. To me at 
that time he was very singular in his manners in debate. He 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

signified that he imagined himself almost an intruder, espe- 
cially as he had to take a position which was opposed to- 
Elder Dobbins, whom he seemed to regard with a profound 
veneration. He perhaps had never met with Dobbins before, 
but he was acquainted with him from chaarcter, and to op- 
pose Dobbins in debate, seemed to him almost like opposing 
an oracle. In all his remarks, therefore, he kept his eye 
steadily on Dobbins. He seemed not to have known that 
Scruggs w 7 as the Moderator. He stood^up close to the table,, 
facing Dobbins, and while making his speech he would fre- 
quently bend down with his face nearly to the table, and then 
at the end of his sentences he would suddenly throw himself 
back over a perpendicular and for a moment look tenderly 
at his brother Dobbins, as if he would ask him to forgive 
him for what he had said amiss, and then down and up in 
like manner. 

LABORED WITH HIS HANDS, 

Drury Dobbins, like the immortal Dr. Carey, was a 
shoe-maker, and understood his business well. Like the 
Apostle Paul, although not a tent-maker, he w r orked with 
his own hands to support himself and family rather than be- 
come chargeable to the churches he served. For near forty 
years he served one church as pastor, from which it is said 
he never received anything beyond a mere pittance. This 
circumstance is not mentioned for the purpose of chalking 
out to other churches any particular course of duty, but 
merely to show the disinterestedness or careless indifference 
of the man in reference to what is called filthy lucre being 
an inducement for him to preach and supply churches. By 
hard labor at the lap-board and on his farm, coupled w T ith 
economy and frugality, he w T as enabled to accumulate a com- 
petency of the good things of this life, temporally speaking, 
to render him and his quite comfortable, and he ever appear- 
ed to be therewith content. He had plenty and enjoyed it 
with friends, and there never was a real object of charity 
turned away from his hospitable door. The self-denying 
life that he lived, and the many kindnesses that he dealt out 
to the poor in the shape of charity, accounts for his great and 
unbounded popularity among the people he served, while, 
for more than forty years, he acted as a faithful sentinel on 
the watch-tower of Zion. 

In early life he married Mrs. Hannah Sams, nee Miss 
Hannah Calahan, and they lived harmoniously together 
through a long series of years, during which time a daughter 
w T as born to them, who afterwards married Richard Harrill, 
Esq., from whom has descended a numerous progeny of re- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 861 

spectable standing in the community where they live. Mrs. 
Dobbins survived the death of her husband, which took 
place May 19th, 1847, in the 72d year of his age, which is 
suitably noticed in the Minutes of the Broad River Associa- 
tion at its session of that year. [See journalistic part of this 
work.] 

Personal Appearance. — Elder Drury Dobbins was 
about live feet 10 inches in height, of square heavy build, 
weight about 200 pounds, somewhat inclined to corpulency. 
In early life his hair was jet black, his eyes equally so, and 
very penetrating. Never sported a moustache, but went clean 
shaved, believing that "beard was given to men to be cut 
off." He had a large projecting forehead. In late life was 
becoming bald and dignitied more than ever; nose of the 
-Roman type; a stentorian voice and good articulation. Sel- 
dom ever preached a sermon of more than an hour's length. 
There was so much dignity about the face of Elder Dobbins 
as to make it impossible for any one coming into his presence 
not to discover at once that a great and good man stood be- 
fore him, and thus feeling, by some incomprehensible power, 
be restrained from all levity or idle jesting, or frivolous lib- 
erties of any kind in his presence. So great was the spark- 
ling lire of his dark eyes that it w T as almost impossible to 
take a full face view oi him, and yet he was effeminate and 
kind in his nature and manners towards his brethren and 
many friends. As a preacher, he was a close student of the 
Bible, while he was also familiar with many of the best works 
on theology. The great work of Dr. John Gill was with 
him a great favorite ; and like the celebrated Apostle to the 
Gentiles and Dr. Gill, he would often say : "By the grace of 
God I am what I am." He felt the truth of apostolic expe- 
rience, and glorified God and His sovereign grace. 

In his day and time he was often called upon to combat 
the liberal doctrines of James Arminius, and was therefore 
denounced by some of his followers as an Antino- 
mian or Hard Shell, which he but little regarded or cared 
for. He was much better acquainted with the foundation 
he stood on than those who maligned and misrepresented 
him. 

As we have no access to his religious correspondence 
with the outside world, and consequently will not be able to 
preserve from oblivion many of his wise remarks and say- 
ings, we will therefore republish tw T o of his circular addresses 
to the churches of the Broad River Association. The first 
on the subject of Good Works, written in 1811, while he was 
young- in the ministry; the other to show who Melchisidec was, 
46 



Srj2 BIOGIIAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and to run the analogy between his 'priesthood and that of Jesus 
Christ, which was written in 1838, and was the las.t one of 
tiie many circular letters prepared by him. 

CIRCULAR LETTER, ON GOOD WORKS, BY ELDER DRURY DOBBINS, 

Dearly Beloved Brethren: — For your establishment in every 
good word and work, we purpose, agreeably to appointment by the 
Advisory Council last year, to lay before you a short epistle on the 
important subject of "Good Works." Not indeed as some hold, who 
depend greatly on works for justification, and thereby corrupt the 
Avoid and doctrine of the Gospel — teaching a medley of works and 
grace, and so making man a free agent, capable of keeping the law 
and saving himself. This, with many other unscriptural doctrines, 
wrested to prove points*never intended (by those who teach for doc- 
trines the commandments of men, "having men's persons in admi- 
ration because of advantage,' 7 ) we are to avoid. There are many 
questions which engender strife rather than edification, that we 
should be scrupulously careful toshun. We should rather build upon 
the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief 
corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth 
unto an holy temple in the Lord. 

For a further illustration we will attend to the following partic- 
ulars: 1. Speak of who may do good works. 2. What it is to do 
good. And 3. Consider our obligations to do good works. 

First, who are capable of doing good? In this we will let the 
Apostle determine, for saith he, "we are his workmanship, created 
in Christ Jesus unto good works ;" whatsoever God hath before or- 
dained we should do, and walk in His commandments. He hath 
saved us and called us with an holy calling — not according to our 
works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given 
us in Christ Jesus before the world began ; who gave himself for us. 
that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself 
a peculiar people zealous of good works. Thus, dear brethren, ac- 
cording to the Apostle Faul, it is those who are divinely influenced 
that are capable of doing good acceptably. The same Apostle saith, 
'the natural man discerneth not the things of the Spirit," for they 
are spiritually discerned, <kc. 

Secondly. What it is to do good. To do good, implies our hon- 
est endeavors to keep all God's commandments with regard to Him- 
self, our neighbor or ourselves. Whether it be the performance of 
duties enjoined by God, or the refraining from the commission or 
practice of sin by a deceitful heart, or outward practice at all times 
and under all circumstances of life. And further, to do good pass- 
ively is to shun every appearance of evil, to give no offense to either 
Jew or Gentile, neither the church of Christ. Further to do good, 
in every sense of the word, is to exercise the ability which God 
giveth, whether in temporal or spiritual matters ; and doing good is 
not only comprehended in our usefulness as to our gifts and graces 
which are given to us for the edification of Others, but we are also to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKET/JHES. 363 

servo the Lord with our substance ; to feed the hungry, and clothe 
the naked, in accordance with the voice of revelation ; and all such 
acts of charity done to His poor saints are the same as done unto 
Christ, who makes it a reason for receiving us into His heavenly 
kingdom. "I was an hungered and ye fed me, naked and ye clothed 
me," etc. But as the work of redemption by Christ hath outdone 
all other works, so doth the ministry of the Gospel excel every other 
performance by man. He that desireth the office of a Bishop, desir- 
eth a good work ; and let him that laboreth in word and doctrine be 
counted worthy of double honor. Further to do good, is to assist 
those who minister in the Word, by contributing to them In tempo- 
ral things, and relieving their minds from the inordinate cares and 
anxieties of this life, which is both reasonable and Scriptural, or the 
Lord never would have ordained that "those who preach the Gospel 
should live of the Gospel " For this object we are exhorted to do 
good works for necessary uses, and would . any man deserve the 
christian name' who does not feel it a duty to consider and relieve 
the temporal wants of his minister or pastor ? It is very perceptible 
that where the minister is neglected, other ordinances of the Lord's 
house are attended to with great indifference, and, as a consequence, 
the church does not thrive. 

Further. Although good works do not sanctify and save us, yet 
they are the natural actings and operations of a sanctified heart, and 
our lives while in neglecting them give the lie to our profession of 
upright, holy living. Grace is given for exercise, it is a vital opera- 
tive principle, and none have a right therefore to flatter themselves 
with even the dream of being regenerate while they indulge in 
known sin, or live in the neglect of good works. 

Now a few words in regard to the obligations resting upon us all 
to be zealous in the performance of good works. Good works are 
necessary, as they belong to the way and adorn the path that leads 
to heaven. "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." We 
must not only enter in at the straight gate, but we must walk in the 
narrow path that leads unto life eternal. It is certainly true that a 
life of sin and gross impiety leads down to the chambers of death, 
and it is equally true that Christ leads. none to glory in that way. 
It is true we may be in the way to heaven when, at times, we are 
compassed about w T ith many infirmities and groanings while living 
in the neglect of good works, and without proper charity towards our 
fellow-men — in wiiich case we do not enjoy the smiles of the Savior. 
But God has an inalienable claim upon our obedience and service. 
We are his by creation and redemption, and should feel ourselves 
under bonds of subjection, to Him. Neither doth the liberty of the 
Gospel cancel these obligations, but rather lays us under greater ones 
to yield to Him unconditional obedience. Our freedom from under 
the curse of the moral law does not free us from it as a rule of obedi- 
ence ; hence it follows that a life of rebellion now would be great in- 
gratitude. Our obligations to good works are greatly increased 
when we consider our redemption by Jesus Christ in connection 



364 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

with our enjoyment of Gospel ordinance — living for God in this 
world, and being- eternally happy with Hiin in the world to come. 
And what doth the blessed God require of us for all these inestima- 
ble favors ? Nothing -snore than our thankful lips and faithful lives, 
and that we should be ready to every good work. How unworthy, 
then, must we be, and forever feel, while in a course of disobedience. 
We cannot even look for a smile from Hi-s countenance w T hile we 
adhere to our lusts and idols, and neglect to make it our business to 
seek and serve Him. Good w T orks are necessary to honor the profes- 
sion we have made, to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, and to 
bring glory to the great Author of our being. Nothing brings a 
greater scandal upon our holy religion than the unsanctified lives of 
its professors. This gives occasion to the enemies of the Cross of 
Christ to cast a stumbling block in the way of poor souls that have 
begun to look heavenward, and brings dishonor upon our blessed 
Savior as though he was a minister of sin. We hope, therefore, dear 
brethren, that you will see the necessity of good works, and of living 
a holy life. Further : good works are necessary to our inward peace 
and comfort ; for how unhappy and uncomfortable life must be to 
have our own hearts condemning us ; to have a worm gnawing in 
our own breasts, and applying the terrors of the law, and yet this 
cannot be avoided without a life of good works. To this the Apostle 
has reference when he exhorts us to work out our own salvation 
w r ith fear and trembling. Further : we are to observe good works 
in point of duty, and not to expect a reward, or merit anything 
thereby. Heaven is a purchased possession, and our title to it, and 
qualifications for it, is through the obedience of Christ. In this re- 
spect He is our hope, and our perseverance in the way that leads to 
the inheritance at God's right hand is through the electing love of 
the Savior. When we rejoice in our hope, we must do it in the 
strength and all-sufficiency of the atonement of Christ. Having no 
confidence in the flesh [and as it is not for us to run without legs or 
fly without wings,] we must despair of all sufficiency of ourselves, 
and humbly repair to the source of all power, and before Him, our 
Sovereign and Kink Redeemer, invoke the blessings we need — trust- 
ing in Him for life and salvation. Our good works, although desira- 
ble, and good in their place, will not do as the ground of our hope. 
Let the life we now live be, through the faith in the Son of God, and 
our consciences, be relieved of the deleterious effects of a dead, un- 
productive faith. The servant who knows his master's will and 
does it not, "shall be beaten with many stripes." And Jesus saith, 
if ye love me keep my commandments. We therefore humbly hope 
that the foregoing observations may, by God's blessings, lead you 
forth in the footsteps of the flock, and may you be safely kept by the 
power of God, through His grace unto Salvation, that you may fin- 
ish your course with joy, and finally reign w T ith Him in a state of 
sinless perfection and glory, which He hath prepared for all those 
that love Him, is and will continue to be the prayers of your breth- 
ren in the bonds of the Gospel. Farewell. D. Dobbins. 
October 18th, 1811. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 3G5 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

To Vic Broad Elver Baptist Association— To the Churches in Union : 

Beloved Brethren : — We address you this year according to 
a resolution of last Association on the following subject: "To show 
who Melchisidec was, and to run the analogy between his priesthood 
and the priesthood of Jesus Christ." To do this we will show 1st, 
who Melchisidec was as a man. 2d, the nature of his priesthood, 
and thirdly, that Christ was made a priest after theorder of Melchi- 
sidec, and not after the order of Aaron. 

1st. Who Melchisidec was, hath afforded much dispute. Some 
will have him to be Christ, or the Holy Ghost ; but Paul calls him 
a man, and represents him to be greater than Abraham, in conse- 
quence of his being a priest of the most high God: Heb. vii. 4-7. 
But if Melchisidec was a mere man, who was his progenitor, and of 
what family or tribe was he ? Answer. — The Scripture is silent on 
that point, and historians are not agreed on the subject. We there- 
fore cannot say what family he sprang from. Paul says, Melchisidec 
w r as without father, without mother, without descent — having neith- 
er beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of 
•God, abideth a priest continually. How then is it possible he could 
be a man with flesh and blood ? Answer.— Paul was speaking of his 
priestly office, that he did not descend from any priestly family. 
But what does Paul mean by saying that he (Melchisidec) had neither 
beginning of days nor end of life ? Answer. — We understand Paul 
to mean, that there was no record to show the commencement nor 
end of his priesthood. We learn from the Scriptures that Melchisi- 
dec was a man that possessed kingly authority, and his name shows 
that his Kingdom w T as a righteous and peaceable one. Melchisidec, 
King of Salem, brought forth bread and wine, and he was priest of 
the most High God: and he blessed him and said, "blessed be Abram 
of the most high God, possessor of Heaven and earth ; and blessed 
he the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy 
hands, and he gave him tithes of all. Gen. xiv. 18, 19. From the 
above quoted text it is evident that Melchisidec was a man that lived 
cotemporary with Abram, from whom he received tithes. Paul 
illustrates the matter clearly in the following text, which we will 
take the liberty to write at some length : 

"Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the 
patriarch, Abraham, gave the tenth of the spoils ; and verily, they 
that are of the sons of Levi, who receive this office of the priesthood, 
have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the 
law — that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of 
Abraham. But he whose descent is not counted from them, received 
tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And 
without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 7 ' Heb. vii. 
beginning at 4th verse. We think the above may be and is sufficient 
to show that Melchisidec was a man, and not a heavenly being, as 
some have supposed. 

2d. We are to show the nature of his priesthood. The word 



363 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

"priest" signifies one that is divinely appointed of God to offer sac- 
rifices, and intercede for guilty men. (Num. xvi. 47, 48.) and no mam 
taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called and appointed 
by the Lord ; and such was Melchisidec, as priest of the most high 
God, — without predecessor or successor he officiated as priest as long 
as he lived ; therefore his priesthood is called an everlasting priest- 
hood. Heb. vii, 3. 

Paul, in his Epistle to the Hebrews, clearly shows that the priest- 
hood of Melchisidec was far superior to the priesthood of Aaron, as 
the Aaronic priesthood was connected with the ceremonial part of 
the law, and was confined to the Jewish nation. But Melchisidec 
was king of righteousness and peace, and a universal priest of the 
most high God, for all the humble worshipers who made application 
to him. 

We will now proceed to show the analogy between the priest- 
hood of Melchisidec and the priesthood of Jesus Christ . That Christ 
is the great High Priest of His people, and hath made complete 
atonement by the sacrifice of Himself for all that have believed or 
will believe in Him, is evident from the Word of God. Heb. iii. 1st, 
and vii. 27. Melchisidec did not descend from any priestly tribe or 
family — neither did Jesus Christ, the great High Priest of our pro- 
fession — for it is evident our Lord sprang out of Judea, of which tribe 
Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. Melchisidec was ap- 
pointed to the priesthood by God Himself, and continued in that 
office as long as he lived ; so Jesus Christ was consecrated by him 
that swore, and he will not repent. "Thou art a Priest forever, after 
the order of Melchisidec." Melchisidec was a king of righteousness 
and peace, as well as priest of the most High God. So it is said of 
Jesus Christ that, as King, He should reign in righteousness. Isa, 
xxxii. 1. And Paul said that He [Christ] is our peace ; through Him 
we have access to the Father. Melchisidec blessed Abraham; so 
Jesus Christ ever lives to make intercession for and to bless all the 
spiritual seed of Abraham. "Jesus Christ is Priest after the order of 
Melchisidec. Psalms ex. 4. Paul, in his Epistle to the Hebrews, has 
reference to the oath of God in the consecration of Jesus Christ to the 
priestly office ; and to show the exalted character of Christ as High 
Priest, shows how much Melchisidec was superior to the Levitical 
priests. This superiority consisted in his being a universal priest of 
the most High God — appointed to officiate for all true worshipers 
who applied to him, — whereas the Levitical priesthood was confined 
to the nation of the Israelites. Nor did he, like the sons of Aaron, 
begin to exercise his office at a particular age, nor cease to be a priest 
when old. But in his priesthood he was without beginning of days 
or end of life ; that is, he officiated during his whole life. If there- 
fore Melchisidec, who was only a type of Christ, was so much greater 
than the Levitical priests, how much more was Christ, w T ho was the 
Son of God— the token of the world, universal King and Priest, and 
heir, and Lord of all ? Once more, Melchisidec, as priest of the most 
High God, there was none that succeeded him in the priestly office; 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 867 

assucb his priesthood is called an abiding priesthood. So it is said 
■of Jesus Christ : because He eontinueth ever, hath an unchangeable 
priesthood. Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost 
that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make inter- 
cession for them. Saith Paul, after showing that Jesus Christ was 
the great High Priest of His people, and that His consecration and 
priesthood was after the order of Melchisidee, and not after the order 
of Aaron. He goes on to show the deficiency of the first covenant, 
as connected with the Levitical priesthood. He then shows the 
firmness and immutability of the second covenant, as connected 
with the sacrifice, the atonemeut and all prevailing intercession of 
Jesus Christ, the great high priest of our profession. Now T ofthe 
things which we have spoken, this is the sum. We have such an 
high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in 
heaven, a Minister of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched 
and not man. The first covenant with the ordinances of divine 
service in connection with the tabernacle and all it contained, to- 
gether with the Aaronic priesthood offerings was not sufficient to 
make him that did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience. 
Heb. x. But Christ being an high priest of good things to 
come, byagreater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, 
that is to say, not of this building, neither by the blood he entered 
once into the Holy place, having obtained redemption for us. We 
will now proceed to show more fully the priesthood of Jesus Christ, 
what he has done, is doing, and will do for his people. That Christ 
was appointed the high priest of his people before the foundation of 
the world is certain. Psalms CX : 4— 1st Peter. 1st 18. 19. and 20. 
Zeehariah speaks of Christ (6th chap.) as a Priest upon His throne; 
every high priest taken from among men is ordained for man in 
things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices 
for sins (for without the shedding of blood there is no remission.) 
Wherefore, it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to 
offer. 

We come now to speak of the great sacrifice offering made by our 
Great High Priest on Calvary, where he gave his body a sacrifice and 
his soul an offering for sin. The hour of Christ's death (says Blair, 
vol. 1, sec. 5,) was the most critical, the most pregnant with great 
events, since hours began to be numbered, since time began to run. 
It was the hour in which Christ was glorified by His sufferings. No 
upbraiding, no complaining expressions escaped from His lips. With 
all the dignity of a sovereign He conferred pardon on a penitent 
fellow-sufferer. With greatness of mind beyond example He spent 
His last moments in apologies and prayers for those Who were shed- 
ding His blood. This was the hour in which Christ atoned for the 
sins of mankind, and accomplished our eternal redemption. It was 
the hour when that great sacrifice was offered up, the efficacy of 
which reaches back to the first transgression of man, and extends 
forward to the end of time ; the hour when from the cross, as from 



368 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

an high altar, the blood was flowing which washed away the gilt off 
the nations. In this hour the long series of prophecies, visions, 
types and figures was accomplished. 

Significantly was the veil of the Temple rent in twain, for the 
glory then departed from between the Cherubims ; the legal High 
Priest delivered up his Urim, and Thummim, his breast-plate, his 
robes and his incense, and Christ stood forth as the great High Priest 
of all succeeding generations. Altars on which the fire had blazed 
for ages were now to smoke no more. Now it was also that he threw 
down a wall of partition which had so long divided the Gentile from 
the Jew, and gathered into one all the faithful out of every kindred 
and people ; for such an High Priest became us who is holy, harm- 
less and undefiled— separate from sinners and made higher than the 
heavens, where He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. 
That Christ was to be an intercessor, or was to make intercession for 
His people, is certain. When Christ was called to the office of a 
priest, and invested with it, which was done in Council and Cove- 
nant of grace, He was put upon making request on their behalf— He 
is bid to ask them of his Father as his portion and inheritance to be 
possessed and enjoyed by him, which is promised him, and making; 
such a request as he did, and they were given him. Psalms ii. 8 ; 
John xvii. 6 ; and he not only asked them, but life for them — spirit- 
ual and eternal life, with all the blessings and comforts of life, which 
upon asking were given. God gave him the desire of his heart, and 
did not withhold the request of his lips. All blessings were bestowed 
on his chosen in him, and grace which is comprehensive of all 
blessings were given them in him before the world began. Eph, 1. 3 ? 
and 2d Tim, 19. And this requesting is a species of Christ's inter- 
cession, and an early instance of it, and of its success in it, and a 
specimen of what was to be done by him hereafter. The intercession 
is spoken of in prophecy, particularly in Isa. liii. 12; Christ was in- 
tercessor when in a state of incarnation and humiliation. We often 
read of his praying to God, and sometimes a whole night together,. 
At other times we find-him praying for particular persons — as at the 
grave of Lazarus, and for Peter particularly. Luke xxii. 32. He 
prayed for all his disciples [John xvii,] which is a specimen of his 
intercession in heaven. Christ is now interceding in heaven for his 
people ; Christ performs this his office also by offering up the prayer 
and praises of his people which became acceptabie to God, 
through the sweet incense of his mediation and intercesion. Rev- 
viii. 3, 4. 

The next thing to be considered is, what Christ makes interces- 
sion for more particularly— for the conversion of his unconverted 
ones. Neither pray I for these alone, says Christ [meaning his dis- 
ciples,] that were called, but for them also whichshall believe in me 
through their word. John xvii. 20. And for the comfort of those 
that are convinced of sin, particularly for discoveries and applications 
of pardoning grace and mercy. If any man sin, we have an advocate 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 3G9 

With the Father for strength for his people to bear up under temp- 
tation. 

Lastly he intercedes for their glorification. Father, I will that 
they also whom thou hast given me, where I am, that they may be- 
hold my glory. John xvii. 24. Christ, the great High Priest of his 
people, reigns as King and Priest to bless them. Jt was promised to 
Abraham th it in his saed all the kindredd of the earth should be 
blessed, unto you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him 
to bless you, &c. Acts iii. 2-5, 26. 

Christ's blessing His people was prefigured in Melchisidee, the 
type of Him, and of whose order he was. This illustrious person 
met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed 
him; so Christ, the anti-type, has blessed His people, does biess 
them, and will continue to bless them., He blessed them under the 
Old Testament, aud after He had offered Himself a sacrifice and 
risen from the dead — before His ascension to heaven — "he lilted up 
His hands and blessed His disciples," &c. Luke xxiv. 50, 51. 

We will now observe the qualifications of Christ to bless His 
people — His fitness, ability, and sufficiency for such a work. As He 
is God, or a Divine person, He mast be able to bless. Blessedness is 
a perfection of Deity. 

Now Christ is over all, God blessed forever [Rom. ix. 5,] and 
able to do exceedingly abundant above all that we ask or think. 
Eph. iii. 20. Christ as a Mediator has a fitness, ability and sufficien- 
cy to bless His people. Who can doubt His ability to bless his peo- 
ple with deliverance from sin, Satan and the Law, since he has 
attained eternal redemption for them? or, with a justifying righte- 
ousness, since he has become the end of the Law ; or with spiritual 
peace, since he has made peace by the blood of his cross; or with 
salvation since he is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto 
God by him. All that are blessed of the Father are blessed by 
Christ. "Come, ye blessed of my Father," &c. Eph. i. 3 ; Matt, 
xxv. 84. Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly call- 
ing, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ 
Jesus, who was faithful to him that appointed him. Seeing, then, 
that we have a great High Priest that is passed into heaven — Jesus 
the Son of God — let us hold fast our profession, for we have not an 
High Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirm- 
ities, but was in all points tempted like as we are — yet without sin. 
Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may 
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

Deury Dobbins. 
October 19th, 1839. 



Durham, Elder Josiah was a native of Rutherford 
county, K C, born April 6th, 1801. Iu 1829 married Miss 
Mary Trout, and shortly afterwards joined the church at 
Sandy Run, and was under the pastoral care of Elder Drury 
Dobbins until iu 1835, he was licensed by said church to 
47 



S7J BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

preach, and in the year 1839 he was ordained to the full 
woTk of the ministry. He made his lirst appearance in the 
Broad River Association as a delegate in 1885, and continued 
as one of the representatives of Sandy Run church in the 
subsequent sessions of 1836-'37-'-38. He was a pious and 
devoted christian worker, ever at the post of duty to render 
all the service he was able, to roll on the wheels of Zion. 
Elder Durham's maternal grand-father, Benjamin Davis, 
born Dec. 24th, 1731, was a brother of the celebrated Elder 
Elnathan Davis, the Moderator of the Saluda Association in 
days of yore, and said to be a relative of Ex President Jeffer- 
son Davis of the late unfortunate Southern Confederacy. 
Elder Josiah Durham died August 2nd, 1840, in the full 
triumphs of a Gospel faith. 



Durham, Elder Columbus although never connected at 
any. time with either the Broad River or King's Mountain 
Association was nevertheless reared within the bounds of the 
Kings Mountain body, and joined the church at High Shoals, 
one of the King's Mountain churches, we therefore, transfer 
to our work the sketch fouud in the Baptist Encyclopedia, 
by Dr. Cathcart, which we fully endorse. 

Elder C. Durham was born in Rutherford county N. C. 
Apr. 28th, 1844. His mother was the sister of ex-Gov. Baxter 
of Arkansas, and of Jud<j'e John Baxter of Tennessee. Mr. 
Durham was baptized in September, 1860; entered the army 
April in 1861 ; was wounded four times, though but a boy, was 
blessed in conducting prayer meetings in the army; was re- 
ceived by the Board of Education as a student at Wake For- 
est in 1867; graduated in 1871; was pastor at Goldsboro 
from August, 1871, to January, 1876, during which time the 
membership of the church more than doubled, an old debt 
was paid, and a pastor's study and parsonage were built; 
settled in Durham in 1876, where, by his labors, the church 
has been greatly strengthened, a new and beautiful house of 
worship has been built, also a parsonage. Mr. Durham has 
preached in twenty-live counties in Xorth Carolina and three 
in South Carolina, and has baptized over 300 persons. He 
is a trustee of Wake Forest College. 

We take pleasure in adding that Elder Durham is among 
the most promising young ministers belonging to the Baptist 
denomination in the State. 



Elam, Elder Philip Ramsour was born in Rutherrord 
county (now Cleveland,) N". C, March 12th, 1833; converted 
and joined the church in 1848, in the 15th year ot his age. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 371 

Licensed to preach by the New Bethel church, September 
loth, 1854, and was chosen a delegate to represent said 
church in the sessions of the King's Mountain Association 
in 1855-'56- ? 57-'58-'59-'60. About this time he volunteer- 
ed in South Carolina, and was at Col. Anderson's surrender 
of Fort Sumter. He afterwards volunteered in Col. Conley's 
65th X. C. Regiment, and in the engagement at Gettysburg 
was wounded and captured by the enemy and was impris- 
oned nine months at Johnson's Island j Ohio. lie was a Lieu- 
teuaut of his company, and was wounded in front of Peters- 
burg, Va., August 5th, 1864, after which he returned home 
and represented his church in the sessions of the Association 
iu 1865-'66-'67, and in 1868 appears in the Minutes as the pas- 
tor of the Bethlehem church, in the vicinity of which he mar- 
ried Mrs. Mary J. Crawford, nee Miss M. J. Barber, by whom 
he is rearing a very interesting family. 

Elder Elam, although a bard-working tiller of the soil, 
does a great deal of pastoral and sometimes missionary and 
Sunday-school work. He has the reputation of being an in- 
defatigable worker at anything" he takes in hand. His op- 
portunities for acquiring au education have been very limited, 
but with the smattering he has acquired, with a close appli- 
cation to Bible study and other good books as helpers, he 
has become an acceptable preacher and successful pastor. 
He has many seals to his ministry, and being now in the 
bloom and vigor of life, we have much of future usefulness 
to hope for. May our expectations be realized abundantly. 

Elder Elam never fails to be on hand at the annual ses- 
sions of the Association — not as an idle spectator, but as a 
vigilant and active representative of the best interests of the 
spiritual brotherhood. At the session of 1866 he preached 
the introductory sermon before the body w T ith much accept- 
ance, and whatever his hands finds to do he does it with all 
las might. 



Ezell, Elder John Swilliving was born January 29th, 
1825, in Spartanburg county, S. C. Baptized by Elder Jas. 
M. Webb into the fellowship of Buck Creek Baptist church 
in 1840, and was in 1841 orally licensed by said church to 
preach the Gospel. He intermarried with Miss Margaret 
Mahala. Thomas, (a pious, christian lady,) daughter of Dea- 
con John Thomas, of Macedonia church July 21st, 1842, and 
the next year was lettered to said Macedonia church, and in 
1844 regularly licensed to preach the Gospel. In 1846 a 
presbytery was convened consisting of Elders Drury Scruggs, 
Dr. F. W: Littlejohn and W. B. Padgett, who ordainedBro. 
Ezell to the full work of the ministry, and the same year he 



372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

appears in the Minutes as a delegate to the Association from 
Macedonia church, which position he has occupied either 
from one church or another up to the year 1876, when he 
became a member of the Spartanburg Association. During 
the many years that he belonged to the old Broad River 
body he was an active and useful member, and at the sessions 
of 1873-'74 was chosen to preside as Moderator. 

In early life Elder Ezell had received very little scholas- 
tic training. To use his own language : "In my school days 
I never saw an English Grammar. When I married I could 
not read a chapter in the New Testament correctly ; my 
wife aided me greatly in learning to read." He has reared 
a family of four sons and two daughters, two of the sons, 
being preachers, and the others Sabbath-school workers; 
and to their credit be it said they are all Good Templars, 
and none of them use tobacco. Bro. Ezell says this is largely 
attributable to the care and influence of their mother. 

Elder Ezell takes rank now among the able ministers of 
the New Testament. He has, during his ministerial career, 
performed a great deal of arduous labor — sometimes as a 
missionary, but mostly as a pastor, being well rewarded with 
many seals to his ministry. He is yet an active worker in 
the Lord's vineyard, and we hope his future labors may be 
productive of much and lasting good to the churches and 
people where he operates. 

Elder E. prepared the circular letter addressed to the 
churches in 1859, on the subject of Personal Piety, which we 
here reproduce : 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The Broad River Baptist Association — To the Churches in Union — 
Greeting: 

Dear Brethren: — According to an arrangement made at our 
last annual meeting, we address you this year upon the subject of 
Personal Piety. But in directing your attention to a subject of such 
high magnitude, and to the consideration of a subject of such vast 
importance, we have great reasons for fear that, in a short letter, we 
shall be unable to do it that justice to which it is so etainently enti- 
tled. For when we take into consideration the stress that is laid 
upon it in the Word of God, both as respects the manner in which 
it is stated and the frequency with which it is enjoined, sufficient is 
proven to show us the powerful influence it has in the christian 
church, for it is spoken of and known to be one of the best proofs of 
the truth of Christianity, and one of the best means for converting 
the world. That none are truly pious but the truly converted, is so 
plainly taught in God's Word that it does not admit of cavil. For 
"a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit" "As the branch can 
not bear fruit of itself," says Christ, "except it abide in the vine, no 
more can ye, except ye abide in me : without me ye can do nothing." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 373 

The belief that men are saved by grace, are justified by faith, 
"are saved by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the 
Holy Ghost," has always obtained favor among the true followers of 
Christ ; for the Scripture saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was 
counted unto him for righteousness." "Now to him that worketh 
is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt ; but to him that 
worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his 
faith is counted for righteousness. 7 ' But as causes produce effects, 
so "faith produces works; yea, without works faith is dead, being 
alone!" "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he 
hath faith, and hath not works, can faith save him?" It is said of 
Abraham "that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith 
made perfect. James ii. 22. 

That believers are required to exemplify in their lives the relig- 
ion they profess, is clearly taught, we think, in the following beau- 
tiful precepts : "Ye are the light of the world : a city that is set on 
a hill cannot be hid: neither do men light a candle and put it under 
a bushel, but on a candle-stick, and it giveth light to all that are in 
the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see 
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." 
"The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 
teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should 
live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." "Dearly 
beloved, I beseech as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly 
lusts that war against the soul : having your conversation honest 
among the Gentiles that, whereas they speak against you as evil 
doers they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glo- 
rify God in the day of visitation. This, I say then, walk in the 
Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh ; if we live in the 
Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit." In this form of language the Holy 
Spirit teaches us the great value of practical religion ; here He com- 
mands us to exhibit in example our piety for the sake of its saving 
effects on others. Piety consists in a firm belief and right concep- 
tions of the Being, perfections and Providences of God, with suita- 
ble affections to Him, resemblances of Him in His moral perfections, 
and a constant obedience to His will. 

Two important truths are here suggested to our minds — the one 
is, that none should ever profess who do not possess religion. We 
have heard it urged upon men that they should come into the church 
in order to their becoming christians, when nothing is plainer taught 
by Christ and His Apostles than that the church is to be composed 
of those who have been, and not those who are to be converted. 
"One of the great missions of our denomination," says Mr. Tyree, as 
distinguished from others, "is to proclaim and require personal re- 
generation, as indispensably necessary in order to membership in 
the earthly Kingdom of Christ." 

The other is, that all who possess are bound to profess regenera- 
tion. To possess without professing it, is treason against its Author, 
and infidelity to ourselves and the world. There are some who 



574 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

seem to think that, as religion is an individual transaction between* 
God and the soul, it should be retiring and concealed, but such a. 
notion is rebuked not only by the teachings of the Scriptures, but by- 
all the works of God. Had all the lovers of God been of the opinions 
of some, Jesus Christ would never have had in our world a church 
or a martyr. The truth is, the New Testament as much requires us- 
to appear religious as to be so. The same authority that enjoins be- 
lief with the heart requires confession with the mouth. 

In the foregoing we think we have set forth the teachings of the 
New Testament, showing that it is justifying faith, preceding and 
prompting profession and practice, and profession and practice fol- 
lowing, evidencing and recommending faith— thus setting forth a 
complete definition of Scriptural, personal, saving religion, thereby- 
causing the world to "glorify our Father which is in Heaven. n The 
true christian, first by repentance, faith and love, turns to Christ — 
"the Sun of Righteousness" — and catches from Him the "light of 
life," and turns to a world darkened by sin, shedding there the light 
caught from the brighter Sun and higher Sky, and; thus inducing 
others to become religious. 

The self-sacrificing Apostle of Jesus Christ was much emboldened, 
and was very confident of success, because of the striking pre- 
sentations of the truths of the Gospel which he preached, as exem- 
plified in the lives of the Corinthians. "For ye are our epistles, ,r 
said he, "written in our hearts, known and read of all men ; Foras- 
much as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistles of Christ, min- 
istered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living 
God — not on tables of stone, but on fleshly tables of the heart." 

Having promised this much we will now more definitely state 
our position, which is this : A high standard of personal piety is the 
best proof of Christianity, and the best means for converting the 
world. 

Brethren, why are there so few christians in the world ? Why 7 
in the 'broad way," are there so many ? while in the "narrow way" 
you find but here and there a traveler? Not we suppose that the 
world doubts our religion in record. In the way of historical proofs 
and documentary arguments, Christianity has fought her battles and 
been victorious. In the way of debate, infidels of every grade have 
been driven from the field, with broken and dismantled shields." 
The mighty apologies of our editors, authors and defenders of the 
christian religion are now quite absolute. "Why then," in the lan- 
guage of Elder Tj'ree, of Virginia, with this mighty array — this re- 
dundancy of external and logical proofs — "is Christianity making 
such slow headway in the world? Why, with such mighty appli- 
ances, are her converts like Angels' visits? Mainly, we solemnly 
believe, because of the type of piety with christians. More are kept 
from Christ by this than by all other causes. In theory, in creeds, 
in forms and professions the world has long seen religion without 
being made any better by it. The grand desideratum to make man- 
kind not only almost but altogether christians, is a more thorough, 
living, striking piety in the professed friends of Christ." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 5*73 

We Will attempt first to describe that piety for which the world 
•-.rands in crying need, and tlun understand i^if we can) how it has 
this effect. Let us describe it : 1. There must be a transformation 
and purifying of our own characters. Not that we are to reach a 
state of sinless perfection in this world, — that is not found this side 
of Heaven — 

•'Defects through Nature's best productions run— 
The saints have spots, and spots are in the sun." 
But in the christian they must not be "spots" of habitual sins. The 
death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, the descent of ihe 
Holy Ghost, and the preaching of the Gospel, are all designed not 
only to produce in man's state and heart, but in his life and charac- 
ter a change for the better. No man is acknowledged, either by the 
Bible or the world as a christian, unless with him ,l old things have 
passed away, and all things have become new." The great concen- 
trated purpose of God towards man, is to make him holy. The 
atonement, revealed truth, and the Spirit's influences are but means 
for the production of this end. Conversion is the commencement of 
holiness, and baptism a solemn declaration of an intention to aim 
at holiness in all things till death. 

Now, the religion to meet the exigency in question, must be dis- 
played by infusing purity into our tempers— in restraining us from 
all wrong — disposing us to beneficence — to forgive when wronged— 
inspiring us with cheerfulness and submission under afflictions, and 
exciting in us sympathy for the needy, and to sacrifice for the good 
of others. And when, throughout all the ranks of our visible Zion 
our religion shall appear in making the proud humble, the intempe- 
rate sober, the covetous liberal, the revengeful forgiving, the prayer- 
less devout, the repiningpatient, and the indolent active, its evidence 
will be like the sun's meridian beams. The light which thus shines 
before men, will not shine uselessly— it will both illuminate and 
melt. 

2. The piety we need, and for which we plead, should be pre-emi- 
nent. It should be our highest aim to know and do the will of Gcod. 

The Psalmist prayed, "Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy stat- 
utes, and I shall keep it unto the end." A christian must be and 
must appear to be a person of one idea — one all-engrossing purpose 
of saving himself and others. Paul, defining godliness as his only 
concern, says : "This one thing I do. Everything else must be sec- 
ondary and subservient to it; seek ye first the kingdom of God and 
all these things shall be added unto you." If either interest must 
be neglected, it should be time and the body— not religion and the 
soul. "One thing," said the Psalmist, "have I desired of the Lord 
that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all 
the days of my life to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire 
ill His temple." 

By a godly walk and holy conversation we should impress the 
world that our religion is our one all important, grand business of 
earth, and to which every other interest gives place ; that it is the 



m BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

first with us in time, first in attention, and first in everything, and 
we will do more in diffusing abroad the conviction that Christianity 
is Heaven born, than would the preaching of an Angel. 

3. Uniformity must be observed. 

We are pained to find in all our churches [more or less] those 
who are fitful, partial, and irregular in their religious devotions; 
they are only religious in times of revivals ; those seasons once over 
and they have another master to serve. Some are prayerful in sick- 
ness, but pray erl ess in health; meek and humble in adversity, but 
proud and worldly in prosperity. They are like certain streams that 
only flow during rains, or like comets — they attract for awhile, and 
then are only known or thought of as "things that have been." 
Christians of this type do much to provoke the ridicule of the bad, 
and to discourage the good. 

We want a piety that flows from fixed principles — that is bril- 
liant in all the variations of human conditions. Our churches should 
be composed of those and those only who are steadfast, immovable, 
always abounding in the work of the Lord ; who are like the stream 
flowing from the perpetual fountain which, though increased by the 
rains and diminished by the droughts, flows on constantly with 
sparkling beauty and increasing fertility; or like the fixed stars 
which, though sometimes obscured by clouds and tempests, yet shine 
on steadily, sending down their rays on a darkened world. Christ- 
ians of this kind are "the light of the world and the salt of the 
earth. 

4. We want a piety harmonious and minute. 

The christian should make everything bend to his religion, and 
allow his religion to bend to nothing. [James.] We must be strictly 
pious in all the relations and conditions of life. It must be worked, 
as a golden thread, into the entire web of life : our piety must suf- 
fuse itself over the whole character — nowhere gathered into unseemly 
blotches, but shed everywhere the hue and bloom of spiritual life. 
In the healthy child there is an expansion of all the parts and mem- 
bers of the body— one part is not invigorated while others decay — the 
arms must not grow while other parts remain stationary. So with 
the christian character: to be lovely and influential it must develop 
itself in the conscientious performance of all duties— small as well 
as great- Some professors seem to have much religion in the aggre- 
gate, but little in particular ; in great things and on great occasions 
they are very religious, but in small matters are very irreligious. 
And what we want you to observe is, that this inequality in relig- 
ious deportment, like the "spot in the sun," will be noticed by the 
keen-eyed world, and made the occasion of stumbling. Nay, more ! 
you may serve Uod in ninety-nine particulars, and yet, by sinning 
in the hundredth, exert a bad influence. 

Hence the great importance of harmony and minuteness. We 
are led therefore to inquire of whom does the Lord require this? 
Ah! of whom does He not require it f For He saith, "Let every 
one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." But let 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 377 

us particularize: first of ministers of the Gospel, it is required that 
they shall in all things show themselves patterns of good works ; in 
doctrine, showing uncorruptiKss, gravity, sincerity, sound speech 
that cannot be condemned ; that he that is of the contrary part may 
be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of them. [Tit. ii. 7, 8.] "For 
a Bishop or Minister must be blameless as the steward of God." A 
Bishop or Minister then must be blameless, the husband of one wi e, 
vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach ; 
not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient ; 
not a brawler, not covetous, &c. [1 Tim. iii. 2-7.] 

But let us inquire, how does this type of ministerial character 
and dignity compare with the piety of some of Christ's professed 
ministers? Ah! how do men of the world excuse their intempe- 
rance and inordinate love of money, while they witness the same 
in those who are to be "teachers of good things." But we forbear. 

But secondly: The Deacons (the appointment of which was to 
relieve the ministers, that they might give themselves continually, 
to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word,) is to be a specified char- 
acter. The Deacon must be grave — not double-tongued, not given to 
much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre — holding the faith in a pure 
conscience, &c. With this description of a Deacon no church, it 
seems to us, can fail to see the impropriety of placing and continu- 
ing in the deacon's office a man who is not only "given to much 
wine," but to the making and vending of strong drink ; for the Scrip- 
ture saith, "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." But 
thirdly: It is required of all who compose the visible Zion of God, 
that they walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called ; 
for in every condition and relation of life the Word of God imposes 
certain obligations and lays certain restrictions. It requireth. "that 
the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, 
in patience." The aged women likewise are to "be in behavior as 
becometh holiness— not false accusers, not given to much wine, 
teachers of good things." The young women it requireth to be 
"obedient to their husbands, to love their children ; to be discreet, 
chaste keepers at home —good, that the Word of God be not blas- 
phemed." Servants it requireth to be obedient unto their own mas- 
ters, and to please them well in all things— not answering again, not 
purloining, but showing all good fidelity — that they may adorn the 
doctrine of God our Savior in all things. To the master He saith : 
"Give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that 
ye also have a Master in Heaven." To wives He saith : "Submit 
yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord ; for the hus- 
band is the head of the wife, even as Chri.-t is the head of the 
Church;" and it is required of the husband "that he love his wife 
even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." He 
saith to children : "Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 
And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them 
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. For the grace of 
God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men/ teaching us 
48 



378 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, 
righteously, and godly in this present world." We, to be happy 
and useful, must descend to minuteness. There are nameless little 
things in which we must act christianly. To attract the notice, and 
m in the hearts of those without, there are several spheres in which 
men must be able to read in us as the "living epistles of Christ — ■ 
written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God" — the 
truths of Christianity. 

1. They should be able to read them in us in the church sphere. 
As we emerged from the entombing waters of baptism, we lit up 

the lamp of profession— every time we partake of the Lord's Supper 
we "trim the golden flame." But we should appear the christian in 
the discharge of all christian or church duties as well as church or- 
dinances, by assembling to hear the Truth ; and for church or prayer- 
meetings, by giving of our substance to support the Gospel at home 
and abroad ; in fine, by prayers, trials, self-denials and anxieties for 
the prosperity of the church and the conversion of sinners Let our 
attachment to Christ and His cause be known and read of all men. 

2. In the domestic sphere. 

When we remember how early and how constantly children be- 
hold the example of their parents — how lasting and mighty the 
influence which grows out of that relation — how it blends and be- 
comes interwoven with the rudiments of their nature, it is manifest 
that the parent, more than any other creature being, has the mould- 
ing of his offspring's destiny for both worlds. No being, save God 
Himself, can do as much as the parent to purify the fountain of 
existence before it widens into the stream. In the family are daily 
and casually put in motion influences that will go on harming or 
benefitting, blasting or blessing, through all time or eternity ! 

Hence the importance of family religion Parents, you need not 
be positively irreligious in your families: just conceal your light, 
and without the invincible grace of God you will give rise to trains 
of evil that will survive death and the shock of the Arch Angel's 
trumpet. Let there be merety the absence of religion in your house- 
hold, and we would not take your place at the judgment seat for a 
thousand worlds ; but on the contrary, let your domestics see as 
well as hear religion — display before them the charms of a religious 
example ; commence, carry on, and close the day with a consistent 
piety, and you will deposit in the virgin soil of their souls the good 
seed of the Kingdom, which, being warmed by the life-giving beams 
of the Sun of Righteousness, and refreshed by the dewy influences 
of the Holy Spirit, will, if not in your life-time, after you are gone, 
produce the golden fruit of conversion and usefulness. Live thus, 
ye professing parents, and you will do more for the prosperity of 
this Republic than all our armies, navies and laws. In this way 
your households will become nurseries for the church. My brethren, 
for the sake of Christ's honor, for the sake of the church of your 
country, of your children's deathless weal, and for your own sake, 
by all ineans exhibit religion in your families. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 379 

S. Men should be able to road in us the truths of Christianity in 

the soeial sphere. 

Here lies the fatal rock against which many professors, and espe- 
cially young professors, are making wreck of their religious charac- 
ters. 'Ihe truth is, in this progressive age public opinion is hist 
excluding religion from the social circle, and with the present pro- 
clivity — the frequenting of the horse-race, the gaming saloon, the 
ball room, the circus and theatre— unless bold-hearted christians 
take a stand against this growing evil, practical godliness will be 
just as effectually banished from tne ordinary converse of society as, 
by the edict of Claudius, a profession of it was banished from Rome. 
Brethren, hear us while we speak our solemn conviction, that no 
professed christain can attend the horse race, play games, dance, 
&c, without impairing his religious character and lessening his in- 
fluence for good, for the temptations here, to compromise with the 
world and conceal the light of example are numerous and potent. 
And here it is that we, like Peter, who sat down among the enemies 
of Christ, are tempted to deny our Lord and thus surrender one of 
our Lord's outposts to the prince of darkness. This were a treason 
that no true lover of Christ will commit. Rise up, then, to the pre- 
cious singularity of being manifestly religious in all your social 
movements! Do you ask how you can do this without subjecting 
yourself to the charge of sanctimoniousness? We reply, you can do 
it in nameless little things. By speaking evil of no one ; by putting 
away all foolish talking ; by never ascribing to others a. bad motive, 
while you can impute good ones to them ; by discouraging the tat- 
tler, tale-bearer and slanderer ; by seeking to heal breaches between 
neighbors; by discountenancing all unnecessary dissipating amuse- 
ments ; by being simple, sincere and tender-hearted; by giviug to 
conversation a religious turn ; and by speaking out, on ail suitable 
occasions, of Christ, His Kingdom, His religion; of sin, its eviis; of 
hell and of Heaven. In this way, or in like manner, you will shine 
as lights in the world, and exhibit, amid those without, the winning 
sweetness of a holy example, and thereby not only im press men 
with the fact that your religion is an emanation from Heaven, but 
that it is both practicable and desirable. But space fails me to tell 
of the importance in all the business and civil transactions of life. 
The great error of many is, that they regard religion as something 
separate from the common duties of life ; it is difficult to say whether 
more harm aas been done to the cause of Christ, by separating what 
He has joined with the injunction, '-Not slothful in business," the 
command "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Now, what num- 
bers have wounded Christ in the house of His friends, by keeping 
apart these two duties, and, acting on the anti scriptural maxim, 
''business in its place and religion in its." Especially has this been 
the case in pecuniary and commercial transactions : some make 
promises to meet their dues only to break them ; some take advan- 
tage of their neighbors' necessities to increase their gains; others 
show a disposition to take advantage in bargains ; others fail in bu- 



3S0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

siness, when there is ground to suspect that falsehood and fraud 
have attended the whole transaction ; others borrow money neverto 
return it ; others show an overreaching- and an underreaching, bor- 
dering on dishonesty. Verily there must be a reformation. Civil 
government is as much an ordinance of God as baptism. "The pow- 
ers that be are ordained of God," Christians are deeply interested 
in civil affairs, from the fact that civil necessarily includes religious 
liberiy. They too have bodies, families, characters, and property to 
protect; hence, against an enlightened, calm government in politi- 
cal matters on the part of christians, we say not a word ; nay but we 
urge it. 

Having described the kind of piety necessary to evince the truth 
of Christianity, let us in the next place show how T it has this effect. 
The judgment of the irreligious is thereby convinced, which, after 
all, brethren, is the best argument in favor of the christian religion. 
Is it that several hundred prophesies have been fulfilled as the cur- 
rent of time has swept along ? Is it that many miracles have been 
wrought in its attestation? Is it the wonders of the cross? — the 
mysteries of the resurrection ? Is it the rapidity with which it has 
spread, till it is heard and spoken in more than two hundred lan- 
guages of the earth ? These, though might3', are not our crowning 
proofs. Our highest evidence, our most unanswerable, efficacious 
argument is personal piety, after the primitive pattern. The best 
c mmieutary on the Bible the world has ever seen, is a holy life. 
This is the -'living epistle" that all can read, all understand, and 
that convinces all. 

In vain may we put in the hands of infidels our best books upon 
the evidences of Christianity, who are acquainted with professing 
christians that travel on the Sabbath, patronize sinful amusements, 
and sometimes drink half way to drunkenness ! The inconsistency 
of their professions will, with these infidels, neutralize all the argu- 
ments in favor of Christianity they ever heard or read. How can 
we hope for the conversion of that young man whose professing 
mother and sisters are so gay, proud and pleasure-loving as the mul- 
titudes going away from God and Heaven ? 

But let all our skeptics live among neighbors who act out their 
religion in all things; let the rising generation have parents who 
reflect the image of Christ in their daily deportment; let husbands 
have wifes who, b}- a meek and benevolent and pra\ T erful spirit, 
adorn their profession; let pastors have churches ''zealous of good 
works," poor and ignorant though they be; in fine, let all the visi- 
ble Zion of God tear the veil from their eyes, rend the world from 
their hearts, and rise up to the Xew Testament standard of life and 
action, and there will be diffused abroad a deep and practical eonvic" 
tion that the Gospel is divinely true, and is the "one thing needful." 

If we had space we would show that it removes objections, wins 
esteem, and instrumentally converts, but our limits are exhausted. 
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

J. S. EZELL. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 3S1 

Ezell, Elder Landrum Cicero was born May 16tb, 
1843, and is also a native of Spartanburg county, S. C. Js 
tbe eldest son of Elder J. S. Ezell, who baptized him about 
the commencement of the war between the states, into the 
fellowship of Macedonia church, which church granted him 
a license to preach soon after his baptism. In January, 
1866, he married Miss Martha S. Barnett, eldest daughter 
of the lamented Elder Micajah C. Barnett, deceased, whose 
praise was in all the churches. 

Elder Ezell was ordained at Buffalo church on Sunday, 
August 25th, 1867, during the session of the Association. 
Elders T. B. Justice, B. Bonner, R. P. Logan, P. R. Elam 
and Wm, Curtis, L. L. D., forming the Presbytery. The fol- 
lowing item appears on the minutes of the Association : "In 
the afternoon, the presbytery appointed to examine Bro. L. 
C. Ezell in reference to his ordination, met in the house and 
in presence of a large concourse of spectators, proceeded sol- 
emnly and faithfully to examine the candidate, and being 
perfectly satisfied of his orthodoxy, did by prayer and the 
imposition of hands, ordain him a minister of the Gospel in 
the Lord's vineyard." 

Elder Ezell, before his ordination, was a good English 
scholar, and engaged in teaching school. Since then he has 
attended the University of Greenville, S. C, for the purpose 
of better preparing himself for the important duties of the 
Christian Ministry, and now ranks among the best preachers. 
He also belongs now to the Spartanburg Association ; but 
was at the time of his ordination a member of the church at 
Shelby, X. C, then of the Broad River body, but within the 
bounds of the King'e Mountain Association : which church 
he afterwards represented in the session of the Broad River 
Association in 1871, and was chosen clerk of the body. 
Elder Ezell since joining the Spartanburg body has been 
chosen Moderator, and takes rank among the foremost min- 
isters of the body. 



Eorest, Elder David was a pioneer minister, belonging 
to the Head of Enoree church as far back as 1808. He was 
doubtless in the convention that organized the Broad River 
Association in 1800, for he was a member of the body in 
1801, probably then a veteran. We have no means of as- 
certaining when he was born, or where he hailed from; nor 
when he died and went to his reward. The honorable posi- 
tion, however, that he once occupied as a minister of Christ, 
calls aloud for the preservation of his name. Let it be hand- 
ed down from generation to generation. 



382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Freeman, Elder F. M. was formerly of the Green River 
Association, and a native of Rutherford county, K. C. 



Foster, Elder William Moultrie is a native of Spar- 
tanburg county, S. C, born July 23th, 1825. Througn a 
kind and overruling Providence, and his own indefatigable 
exertions, he obtained a fair English and classical education,, 
and up to his 50th year, to use his own language, "rendered 
faithful service for him who "deceiveth the whole world.' 7 
At the close of the half century, God, in His sovereign mercy, 
opened the eyes of his understanding, and he cried unto 
Him, and He heard his "voice and his supplications," when 
to him the mountains and the hills broke forth into singing, 
and all the trees of the forest clapped their hands, and he- 
was a new creature. 

He began to work for the Master from the day of his- 
conversion, and some five months after being fully satisfied 
as to his hope, joined the church, and was baptized in the 
spring of 1876, and soon after was licensed by his church to 
speak in public. He was ordained to the full work of the 
ministrv in August of the vear 1877, Elders J. G. Land rum 
and J. T. Guinn composing the Presbytery. 

Elder Foster entered the Broad River Association as a 
delegate from Grassy Pond church, at the session of 1880. 
held at Cedar Springs, and at the session of 1881 was elected 
Moderator of the body, which shows the estimate placed on 
him by tho brethren as a business man. Bro. Foster had 
represented his county in the Legislature of the State with 
much credit and ability before becoming a member of the 
church, and ranked highly as an educator, lie is now en- 
gaged in running the People's High School, at West's 
Springs, Union county, 8. C, where a large field of useful- 
ness is open before him for cultivation, and as he is a vigi- 
lant and ardent worker he will doubtless avail himself of the 
opportunity afforded him to render good service. In early 
life he was somewhat erratic ; was a great mimic, and could 
tell some very amusing anecdotes, which served to make 
him a sort of head centre for the young men of the country, 
and the lovers of fun generally. Of course he has turned 
his back on levity of all descriptions, and is now engaged in 
the "more weighty matters of the law." May great success 
attend him. He married Miss Sarah L. Sarratt, daughter of 
Gilbert Sarratt, Esq., and is the brother-in-law of the late 
Elder B. Bonner, deceased, of Spartanburg county, S. C. 



Gaines, Elder Tilman Rowland was born October 27, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. BS3 

1834, in the southwestern corner of Greenville county, S. C. 
His father, Nathaniel Gaines, was born in Abbeville county, 
S. C, in February, 1798, and lived to the age of nearly 81, 
within 15 miles of his birth place, dying in May, 1878. His 
mother, Clarissa Arnold, still lives at the homestead, in An- 
derson county, now nearly 80 years of age. His parents 
"were Baptists, his father a minister of the primitive order, 
thoroughly read and deep in the Scriptures, belonging to 
the John Gill or Calvinistic school of Baptists. 

The subject of this notice was sent to country schools in 
his youth, taught to farm till 15, then learned the carriage 
making trade at home in his father's shop, at which he work* 
«d till in his 20th year, when he entered Furman University 
ill February, 1854 (Greenville, S. C.,) in which he took a 
thorough literary and scientific course, graduating in June, 
1860, after which he studied one session [1860-'61] in the 
Southern Theological Seminary, graduating in Hebrew and 
several other branches. Joined the Baptist church (Colum- 
bia church) in Greenville county, S. C, in 1853; baptized 
by his father, Nathaniel Gaines. Licensed to preach in 1857; 
preached first sermon 2nd Sunday in December, 1857. 

Left the Seminary in the fall of 1861, volunteering as a 
private soldier, entering Company "A" 16th South Carolina 
Regiment, in which he served nearly a year. Came home 
on turlough and married Miss Julia Ellen, one of the twin 
daughters of Deacon IT. G. Gaffney and Elizabeth S. Gaff- 
ney, July 24th, 1862 ; soon after was appointed chaplain of 
the 3d Regiment of S. C. Reserves, by Col. C. J. Elford, 
serving till the Regiment was disbanded. 

Was ordained to the Gospel ministry in August, 1862, 
at the meeting of Tyger River Association. Presbytery : 
John G. Landrum, Richard Furman, Simpson Drummond, 
and several others. 

Took charge of Shelby Baptist church, Shelby, IS". C, 
and organized the "Roberts Female Seminary," at Shelby, 
in February, 1863. Voluntarily turned over to Dr. E. A. 
Crawley the church and school in the fall of 1864, and 
moved to the neighborhood of Antioch church, York county, 
S. C, early in 1865, and took charge of said church. He 
baptized about 50 persons into the Shelby church while pas- 
tor thereof, completely resuscitating the church. At Anti- 
och he baptized about 75 persons, and greatly built up the 
church, organizing a large Sunday-school. 

In 1866 started the "Church and Sunday-school Messen- 
ger," issuing it monthly for 7 months, but as it was not pay- 
ing expenses, turned over the subscription list to the "South 
Carolina Baptist," then published at Anderson, S. C. 



3S4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Began to preach at Yorkville in 1866. Several were 
baptized there and a church organized. In the fall ot that 
year he moved to Yorkville and began to build a Baptist 
church, almost without means, but by traveling North in 
I867-'68, and by appeals at home, he raised funds to nearly 
complete the hull of the building. He then used his own 
means to plaster and finish it, thus spending several hundred 
dollars, besides almost entirely supporting himself land fam- 
ily with his own means. 

In July, 1869, he commenced the publication of the 
''.Working Christian/"' a weekly, issued from Yorkville, and 
in 10 months had a cash paid up subscription list^of about 
1300. Moved the paper and family to Charleston in May. 
1870, and took charge of a city mission, organizing a church, 
and beginning the construction of a house of worship; but 
in the summer of 1871 the yellow fever raging in Charleston, 
he moved his printing office, paper, and family to Columbia, 
where he run the paper till the fall of 1872, when he sold 
out the "Working Christian" to C. McJunkin, who, later, 
sold it J. A. Hoyt, who moved it to Greenville, S, C, where 
he still runs it as the "Baptist Courier." It has always been 
a self-sustaining paper. 

In 1872 he founded the Palmetto Orphan Home, in Co- 
lumbia, and turned it over to an able board of Trustees. 

In 1873 he began the publication of the "Working 
Man," which he has continued under various names, print- 
ing it as a monthly for 4 years in New York, in the cause of 
immigration. He began his immigration labors in 1873, his 
object then, and all the time since, being to induce manufac- 
turers, mechanics' skilled labor and capital into the South- 
ern States, — in which work he was the pioneer, having an 
office on Broadway, New York, from 1873 to 1879. In 
person he headed this whole scheme, getting the Richmond 
& Danville, and Air-Line Railroad authorities, aided by the 
Pennsylvania Central Railroad, to put on a system of re- 
duced rate tickets (one and a half cents per mile) in favor of 
all settlers coming to settle in the South. He published his 
monthly filled with correct information about the resources 
of the South — made speeches in the Northern States — issued 
circulars — and in this waj- guided thousands of people into 
the Piedmont Belt of the Southern States, being largely in- 
strumental in turning the attention of capitalists to the 
broken-down condition of our Southern railroads, and show- 
ing them the great opportunities for investments in railroad 
property, lands, mines, etc. All can now see the fruits of 
such labors in the millions of capital coming South. When 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 385 

Mr. Gaines gaye up the ministry and his religious publica- 
tions, it was doubtless solely for the purpose of devoting his 
life and energies to the rebuilding of the Southern States, 
and (.'specially his native Carolina, hi all of this work ho 
has probably had the unthankful task of doing the work of 
a pioneer, and of doing it in his own way. lie has had no 
States to back him, and had even to work up the railroads 
to see their own interest in helping themselves, by aiding 
him, hut as soon as the work was built up so as it would 
begin to pay him, the railroad agents assumed control ot the 
scheme and availed themselves of the benefits to be derived, 
and thus, like all pioneers, Mr. G. (although entitled to re- 
muneration,) was left without anything to console him but 
the mere consciousness of having done a good and unself- 
ish work for the South. 

His peculiar turn of mind, and such a pioneering life in 
such times as we have had since the war, together with his 
own faults, mistakes and financial embarrassments — with a 
mixture, doubtless, of prejudice, too, not to say envy, on the 
part of some persons, have given rise to various rumors and 
misunderstandings as to the true religious status, character 
and opinions of Mr. Gaines, hut we find him moving on 
smoothly with good moral deportment, and acting very re- 
spectfully towards his former christian friends — apparently 
seeking neither wealth nor fame from any source. 

He detests the titles, "Rev.," U D.D." &c, and wants 
none of them applied to his name, as did his deceased father 
before him. 

Xo committee or church authority has said that he 
should not preach ; he has never formally declared any inten- 
tion of abandoning the ministry ; he would preach if he felt 
moved to do so, and was not absorbed in other work. What 
he does, he endeavors to do with all his might, and does not 
feel disposed to attempt and half do what he undertaken 
Whilst he does not fully accord with all the old views of the 
Scriptures, he yet regards the christian religion the best the 
world has ever had. 

In 1865 Mr. Gaines represented the Shelby Baptist 
church in the Broad River Association, and was chosen 
Clerk of the body, and again re-elected in 1866, after having 
preached the introductory sermon. In 1868 the York Asso- 
ciation was organized and he became a member of that 
body. In all his relations with churches or associate bodies 
he has proved himself to he an indefatigable worker in the 
vineyard of the Lord, as will appear from the journalistic 
part of this work. "To his own Master he standeth or fall- 
eth." Being now in the prime of life and manhood, he has 
49 



386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

fair prospects for many future years of usefulness to that 
Divine Being who holds in His hand the destinies of His 
creatures. Ma}' we and his numerous friends not, therefore, 
indulge the fond hope that he may see the vanity of pursu- 
ing fleeting earthly bubbles, and again return to the holy 
calling which he has so long neglected ! 

As a writer, Mr. Gaines has distinguished himself both 
in prose and poetry. 



Gibson, Elder Samuel was a member of Head of Eno- 
ree church in 1819, and continued to belong to the Broad 
River Association until the year 1826. He was a native 
Scotchman, and the date of his birth unknown to us. He 
ranked among the ablest preachers of the Association ; was 
about the co-equal of Elders Dobbins and Hicks. At the 
session of 1821 he preached the introductory sermon from 
Rom. i. 16 : "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ,'*' 
&c. And at the session of 1822 a circular letter addressed 
to the churches, prepared by him on the subject of the Grand 
Utility of Faith to the Believing Mind, was read before the 
body .and adopted. He was of small stature, black hair, 
and dark, penetrating eyes, and very affable manners. He 
became a member of the Tyger River Association after leav- 
ing the Broad River. Asa tribute to his memory we repro- 
duce his circular letter in this work. Before giving the let- 
ter, however, we can't refrain from mentioning some striking 
remarks we heard him make in one of his sermons. He was 
a great revivalist, and discoursing on the subject of the new 
birth he found it necessary, in order to make a suitable illus- 
tration, to compare natural things with spiritual. He said, 
"in all cases of natural births, it life existed, it was made 
manifest by unmistakable outcrying by the party delivered; 
and if no life existed it was equally manifested by profound 
silence." In like manner, said Elder Gibson, "when a soul 
is truly converted to God, and delivered from the shackles 
of sin, and the condemning terrors of an offended or broken 
law, the convert or delivered one immediately cries out and 
gives God thanks for dying grace and redeeming love." 
Elder Gibson added, "he had but very little faith in still-born 
christians." He has doubtless long ere this time passed over 
the river of death, and is now in the enjoyment of the fruits 
of his incessant labors for the welfare of his race. : 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The Broad River Baptist Association — To the Churches in Union 

— Greeting : 
Beloved Brethren.-— Through the kind providence of God we have 
once more met together as your advisory council. Unanimity and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 387 

brotherly love pervaded our meeting. According to custom, we address 
you this year on "the Grand Utility of Faith to the Believing Mind." 
The mind signifies the understanding or judgment which has be- 
come darkened by sin, according to tb-.^t Scripture we'meet with in 
2d Cor. iv. 4, in which the god of this world hath blinded the minds 
of them that believe not. Hence we discover that men in their nat- 
ural state are aliens to the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to 
the covenants of promise — having no hope, and without God in the 
world— destitute of that faith which is the gift of God. But some 
will ask, what is true faith ? We answer, true faith is not a natural 
principlt, as some have supposed — there being nothing in the dry 
stock of nature that can produce it, any more than Adam could pro- 
duce life in himself at first. True faith is a fruit of grace of the Holy 
Spirit. God tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is faith. Gal. v, 22. 
He calls it the fruit Of the Spirit, because none but God the Spirit 
can convey the grace of faith to the soul, and because all who have 
not the Spirit are unbelievers. Rom. viii. 9. How awful and dan- 
gerous then must the state, of them be who presume to say that the 
Spirit's influence is not to be experienced on the soul in the present 
day. Such greatly err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power 
of godliness ; for if they really knew the one or the other, they would 
not deny such an important fact. Those people are awfully mistaken 
who suppose that they always believe, for no person can believe 
until he is regenerated. When Adam fell into sin, all that love to 
God which happily flowed in his soul before, with every other per- 
fection, flew from him, and now nothing but a flood of iniquities is 
found in the human breast. Therefore no person hath the grace of 
faith, whilst in a state of nature and sin, in which all are born into 
the world ; hence God says, "all men have not got faith." 2 Thes. 
iii. 2. He hath concluded them all [that is naturally] in unbelief. 
Rom. xi. 32. And that they are children in whom is no faith. Deut. 
xxxii. 20. For this reason our blessed Savior tells us that none can 
go to heaven, unless they are regenerated and born again. John iii. 
5. Therefore God graciously conveys the grace of faith into the soul 
when He regenerates it by His Holy Spirit ; hence it is called the 
laith— the operation of God. Col. ii. 12. And believers are called the 
temple of the Holy Ghost, which God says is in them. 1 Cor. vi. 10. 
Thus it is evident that the essence or grace of faith is a fruit of the 
Spirit, wrought in the soul when he regenerates it ; and no person 
hath it until then. God tells us that this faith purifies the heart 
and works by love. Acts xv. 19 ; Gal. v. 6. And that those who 
have it shall be saved. Mark xvi. 16. Those are dreadfully deceived 
who suppose it an easy thing to believe. For no person can obtain 
the grace of faith by his natural powers, find it by his wisdom, or 
merit it by his works. It is a new covenant blessing, a grace which 
the Divine Spirit conveys into, and which abides in the hearts or 
souls of God's dear children. 2 Tim. i. 5. Yea, it is God's free gift. 
Full to our point is Eph. ii. 8, 9, when God tells believers by grace 
are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. Having given 
you a short account of the nature of faith, let us turn to its grand 
utility, and this can only be understood 'by the effects which the 
Scriptures assures us it produceth in those who have it. It leads 
those who have received it truly to credit what God has recorded in 
His holy Word. This is a fact fully established by the inspired pen- 
man. Heb. ix. 1, where, connecting the grace of faith and the effects 
it produceth together, he says, "Now faith is the substance of things 
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The principal things 
hoped for by the subjects of grace are the pardon of all their sins, 
through the precious blood of Christ, — peace in their souls, under the 
gracious influences of the Holy Spirit, as an evidence of that pardon 
and eternal glory with Christ, the supreme object of their love in 
the world to come. 

The natural eye hath not seen these, but God having clearly re-, 
corded them in the Bible, faith credits them as infallible facts, and 
they are thus substantiated as divine realities in the souls of believ- 
ers, — so that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidences 
of things not seen. Therefore, as we said, the grace of faith leads 
those who have received it, truly to credit what God hath recorded 
in His holy Word. 

The grace of true faith influences those who have received it to 
long for great and fresh spiritual blessings daily from God. Those 
who have the least degree of this faith, earnestly long for more; nor 
can they b'e satisfied without assurance. Like the church in the 
Canticles, they feel an aching void in their souls until they find 
their beloved, and know that their sins are forgiven. 

Thus the grace of true faith leads all its happy subjects to long 
for those things that are pleasing to God. Such like St. Paul count 
all things but dung aud dross, for the excellency of the knowledge 
of -Christ Jesus our Lord. Phil. iii. 8. The object' of their first pur- 
suit is the kingdom of God and His righteousness, which blessings 
they will most certainly possess. And the Lord says, all other bless- 
ings shall be added unto them. Mat. vi. 33. They long for the com- 
pany of God's dear children, that they may hear them declare what 
He hath done for their souls. They long for the constant enjoyment 
of God's presence. For when He hides His face they are troubled. 
Ps. xxx. 7. They long for the conquest of all sin, for sin is that 
which their souls loathe. They long for a greater knowledge of 
Christ in his person and offices, for He is the object of their real 
love, and they never will be fully satisfied until they are drinking 
the rivers of pleasure at God's right hand. 

The grace of faith sw T eetly influences those that are blessed with 
it to renounce the devil and his w T orks, the pomps and vanities of 
this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh, and to seek 
for the enjoyment of God, and to act for His glory and the good of 
mankind. It was the grace of faith that influenced Joshua to re- 
solve that whatsoever others might do, he and his house would 
serve the Lord. It was the same kind of faith that enabled Abra- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 38$ 

ham to forsake his native country and his father's house— to wander 
in a strange land, and even to oiler his only son a sacrifice at God's 
command. It influenced the little army of martyrs mentioned in 
the book of Hebrews, to endure such cruel tortures ; and glory be to 
God, he bestows the same grace % of precious faith upon many in the 
present day, who, under a true conviction of their wretched state by 
nature and practice, cast their souls upon Christ, crying in the lan- 
guage of holy Job, though He slay me, j^et will I trust in Him. Also 
like the above worthies in obedience to God's direction, they come, 
out from the thoughtful and giddy world and live separate, touching 
not the unclean things. And God graciously accepts such, and is a 
father unto them ; and they are his sons and daughters. 2 Cor. iv. 
17, 18. This grace of faith sweetly influenceth its happy subjects to 
a life of grateful activity for God. If, therefore, that grace hath 
reached thy heart, thou art risen from thy natural death in trespasses 
5ind sins, and art called to fight as a good soldier of Christ against 
the w r orld, flesh and devil. 

We beseech the dear reader to examine carefully by these plain 
•Scripture evidences whether thou art a believer or an unbeliever ; 
whether in the road to heaven or to hell — in a state of salvation or 
condemnation. From hence it appears that there is as much differ- 
•ence between that historical notion, which many ignorantly call 
faith — and the faith of the operation of God— as there is between the 
picture of a man and a real man. For this reason this faith hath fre- 
quently some peculiar title or name of distinction in Scripture. The 
-blessed Jesus tells us that they who have it have passed from death 
unto life. John v. 21. Because these into whom this invaluable 
grace is conveyed by the Holy Ghost, are risen from that state of 
death in trespasses and sin, which we have proved all are in by 
nature unto a life of righteousness, by the faith of the operation of 
God, Col. ii. 12, It is likewise called the faith of God's elect. Titus 
i. 1. Because all who have it wore elected of God. 1 Pet. i. 2,— not 
only because it views the precious blood of Christ, which frees the 
conscience from its guilty fears, but administers real peace to the 
soul. Rom. v. 1. It is called a faith that overconieth the world. 1 
John v. 4. It so endears the blessed Savior to those who have received 
it, that although they were in bondage to the law as a covenant of 
works before, they are now made free by the blood of Christ. And 
we are told such are kept by the power of God through faith unto 
salvation. 1 Pet. i. 15, That this may be the happy lot of alLto whom 
these are addressed, is the prayer of yours in Gospel bonds. Amen. 

Samuel Gibson. 
October 21st, 1822. 



Gold, Elder Pleasant Daniel was born in Cleveland 
county, N. C, March . 25th, 1833. In 1853, when in the 
20th year of his age, he joined the Missionary Baptists at 
Double Springs church, and was baptized by Elder Joseph 
Suttle. A short time afterward he set in with A. W. Bur- 



300 BTOGRAFHICAL SKETCHES. 

ton, Esq., to read law, bat before coming to the bar was 
moved by the revival discourses of Elder T. C. Teasdale r 
D.D , (who was then holding a protracted meeting at Shelby., 
!N". C.,) to engage in preaching the Gospel of Christ. In 
1857 he was licensed by the church at Zion Hill, in Cleve- 
land county. In 18(31 he was ordained to the full work of 
the ministry at Chesterville, S. C, by Elders Griffith and 
Hintoo, and became a very acceptable and popular preacher. 
On the 22d January, 1863, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Julia Pipkins, of Goldsboro, K C, by Elder N. B. 
Cobb. Elder Gold states "that a few years after this I was- 
very much exercised about my own condition, and afterward 
became convinced that salvation is of the Lord Jesus, who 
is the righteousness of His people. I also was for years 
much exercised concerning the doctrine and practices of the 
Missionary Baptists, and becoming convinced that they did 
not hold the doctrine of God our Savior, and had also depart- 
ed from the ancient landmarks in accepting so many institu- 
tions of men, ray mind was irresistibly led to the Primitive 
Baptists. I united with them, and was baptized by Elder 
C. B. Hassell, at Kehukee church, Halifax county, aST. C, on 
the 2d Sunday in March, 1870, since w T hich time I have 
been with them, and, having obtained mercy of the Lord, I 
continue to this present." 

hi regard to Elder Gold's change of views we will make 
no remarks. We recognize him as a christian brother, and 
a good and useful man in the vineyard of the Lord. He is- 
now editor of "Zion's Landmark," a semi-monthly, devoted 
to the Primitive cause, at Wilson, N. C. We wish him great 
success in his religious pilgrimage on earth, and a happy en- 
trance upon a full fruition of permanent happiness in the 
eternal world above. 



Grayson, Elder Joseph C. was born June 13th, 1804, 
Was baptized into the fellowship of Head First Broad Bap- 
tist church, by Elder John Padgett, March 20, 1825. About 
a year afterward he was appointed Deacon, which office he 
rilled till 1828, when he began to preach. Shortly after, his 
health failed; for more than a year he was not able to travel, 
and preached but little in two years; his health then im- 
proved, and he exercised his gift in the church and neighbor- 
ing churclies till the 5th of September, 1831, when he was 
ordained to the ministry by a presbytery, viz: Elders Drury 
Dobbins, John Padgett and Alfred Webb. At the next 
church meeting they called him to take the pastoral care of 
the church. He served them twelve years in succession, and 
declined a further call. One of those years he baptized 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S9l 

fifty -seven persons. He then took a letter of dismission and 
united with others in the constitution of a new church at 
Harmony Grove, which he served as pastor for several years. 
In 1844 Cane Greek church was constituted under his labors, 
and he was called to serve it several years. In 1857Dysarts- 
ville church was constituted under his labors also, and he 
served them several years. At different times he supplied 
the churches at Bill's Creek, Mountain Creek, Round Hill, 
Crooked Creek, Mt. Vernon, Mt. Zion and Bethel. The 
last named thirty-five years. When he joined the church at 
Head of First Broad, it belonged to the Broad River Associ- 
ation, and was chosen a lay delegate in 1826, to the Associa- 
tion which convened that year at Macedonia church. The 
•church to which he belonged a short time afterward was let- 
tered from the Broad River to assist in the organization of 
the Catawba River Association in 1828. The Green River 
body was subsequently organized in 1840 ; the Harmony 
Grove church to which he then belonged took a letter from 
the Catawba and joined the Green River. He is now a mem- 
ber of the Dysarts ville church of the Green River Associa- 
tion. He was Clerk of the Catawba Association many years, 
and Moderator four or five years. He was Clerk of the 
Green River Association five years, and Moderator twenty 
years. His manner of preaching is mostly doctrinal, to feed 
the church of God. He is now in the 78th year of his age, 
having been an ordained minister fifty-two years. He is 
now supplying three churches, to-wit : Bethel, Head First 
Broad, and Bunker's Hill. 

Elder Grayson is recognized as being one of the best of 
men — always engaged — endeavoring to roll on the wheels of 
Zion, by giving aid and encouragement to all the different 
enterprises now on foot for the spread of the Gospel. He 
has written several circular letters addressed to the churches 
on important subjects worthy of preservation, and we avail 
ourself of the opportunity to reproduce one, on a passage of 
the Scriptures in reverence to the evil spirit taking possess- 
ion of the hearts of men. The letter will doubtless present 
to many a new phaze, to a subject often quoted, to prove 
final apostacy. 

On the 25th of January, 1827, he married Miss Eliza 
R. Wilson, an amiable christian lady, with whom he lived 
in tender affection near thirty years, and reared an interest- 
ing family. She died December 31 st, 1856. In 1872 (then 
in his 68th year) he married Eliza Rod rick, with whom he 
is traveling the journey of life at the present time. 

To use his own language, copied from one of his letters, 
"His opportunities of an education were very limited. He 



332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES'. 

never saw a book on English Grammar till after he was m 
ried. After his wife had two children he boarded out ten 
miles from home and went to a Grammar school. The most 
of his education was obtained from books by pine light, 
when the most of people were asleep." And yet Elder 
Grayson was a well educated man. 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The Green River United Baptist Association — To the Churches in 

Union : 

Agreeable to the direction of our last Association, we address- 
yon on Matthew xii. 43-45 : "When the unclean spirit is gone out of 
a man, he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and findeth 
none. Then he said, I will return into my house from wlience I 
came out ; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept and 
garnished. Then goeth he, and take th with himself seven other 
spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there, 
and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shali 
it be also unto this wicked generation." 

By the unclean spirit, is meant Satan, the old serpent, the devil, 
who, by the Jews used to be called as here, "the unclean spirit." 
As he is the cause of unoleanness in men, and delights in unclean 
persons, places and things, this going out of a man is not to be un- 
derstood of his being dispossessed of the bodies of men, nor of his 
going by fcrce through the power of divine grace, out of the souls of 
men, but of his leaving the Jews for awhile in some sort, while 
Christ and the Gospel were among them, and of his going out of the 
Scribes and Pharisees — not really, but putting on another form — ap- 
pearing as an angel of light, and under the guise of holiness and 
righteousness. And so he may be said to go out of men when any 
outward reformation is made in them, and they take up a profession 
of religion, though destitute of the saving grace of God. 

Like Simon Magus, Acts viii. 13-22, \vho professed to believe and 
was baptized ; who offered the apostles money, that on whomsoever 
he laid his hands, he might receive the Holy Ghost ; by which Peter 
perceived that his heart was not right in the sight of God ; that he 
was in the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. And like Hy- 
meneus and Alexander, who had put away holding faith and a good 
conscience, and concerning the faith made shipwreck. 1 Tim. i. 19, 
20, which does not em ply that they ever had a good conscience or 
faith, since that may be put away, which was never had. The Jews, 
who blasphemed and. contradicted, and never received the Word of 
God, are said to put it from them (see Acts xiii. 4f> ;) where the same 
word is used as here, and signifies to refuse or reject anything with 
detestation and contempt ; concerning the faith have made ship- 
wreck, which designs not the grace but the doctrines of faith which 
men may profess, and fall from, and entirely drop and lose, as these 
men did; and like Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, whom 
Christ calls a devil (John vi. 70, 71,) and the Evangelist calls a thief; 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 893 

six days before the passover Christ came to Bethany — there they 
made Him a supper, at which Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with 
very costly ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair. Judas said, 
why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given 
to the poor. This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because 
he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. 
(John xii. 1-16.) Thus we see that he was a devil — that is, like the 
devil, who was a murderer from the beginning, and a liar, and the 
father of it (John viii. 44,) and a thief, and that he cared not for the 
poor, which proves to a demonstration that he was a bad man before 
Satan is said to have entered into him [John xiii. 27 ;] and there is 
no proof that he ever was a good man ; but Satan, the evil spirit 
returned into his house, from whence he came out when Jesus gave 
him the sop, and stirred up his lusts, so that he betrayed Christ — 
and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And the above 
named Simon Magus, Hynieneus and Alexander are in the same 
predicament. There has been a difference of opinion with some 
whether it is the unclean spirit, or the man, that walketh through 
dry places seeking rest and fiudeth none, and that returneth into his 
house, <fec. The grammatical construction of the passage shows 
clearly that it is the unclean spirit, and not the man. Referring to 
a prevailing notion among the Jews, that unclean spirits walk in 
and haunt desert and desolate places, and may have regard to the 
Gentiles, among whom Satan might go seeking rest and satisfaction 
among them in their idolatries and other wickedness ; till he was 
there also disturbed by the Gospel sent among them. In 1 Peter v. 
8, we are told that the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seek- 
ing whom he may devour. Or by these dry places may be meant the 
saints, among whom he takes his walks in order to distress them by 
temptation, being secure of Pharisaical persons. And these may be 
so called, not for what they are in themselves — for they have a well 
of living water in them, and are watered by the Lord — but for what 
they are to the unclean spirit, there being nothing in their grace, 
and the exercise of it, and in their spiritual performances grateful to 
him ; nor were there in them the mire and dirt of iniquity to roll 
in, as in unregenerate persons; therefore he is represented as 
seeking rest and findeth none. [See Dr. Gill's exposition on 
Matthew xii. 43-45.] His views in walking in these places, or among 
such persons, is rest — not the rest of the saints [he seeks their dis- 
turbance,] but his own rest, which is to do all the mischief he can, 
by stirring up corruption, tempting to sin, and by discouraging the 
exercise of grace, but is not able to do as much mischief as he would, 
and cannot rind the rest he seeks for. [See Job i. 6, 7, and ii. 2, 3.] 

Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came 
out. into the Scribes and Pharisees, outward professors of religion, 
who, notwithstanding their outward reformation and great preten- 
sions to holiness, are Satan's house still. And though he says from 
whence I came out, yet he never really and properly quitted it, only 
seemingly, and in appearance he now throws off the guise, re- 
50 



394 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

assumes his former character, as a vicious and unclean spirit. And 
when he is come he fincleth it empty, of God, of the true knowledge 
of him, and love to Him, of Christ, of faith in Him, of the Spirit of 
God and His graces, and of spiritual internal religion and powerful 
godliness; swept, not with the spirit convincing of sin, righteous- 
ness and judgment, but with the besom of an outward reformation, 
and garnished with secret lusts and corruptions for this unclean 
spirit, with some show of morality, an observance of some external 
rites and ceremonies, and a few hypocritical performances of fasting 
and prayer, which Satan can very well bear w T ith, so long as the 
heart is empty of spiritual grace. Then goeth he and taketh to him- 
self seven other spirits more wicked than himself; this may denote 
a large number of devils [seven being a number of perfection,] or 
else the various corruptions of a man's heart, the swarms of internal 
lusts, which are there stirred up by Satan. As these are more per- 
nicious than the devil himself, aud they enter in and dwell there — 
that is, though they were there before — now they exert and show 
themselves, and such men appear to be under the power and govern- 
ment of them. When leaving their seeming religion and holiness, 
they "return like the dog to his own vomit again, and the sow that 
was washed to her wallowing in the mire." They become more 
wicked than they were before they made pretensions to religion, 
as such apostles generally are more extravagant in sinning, and are 
Seldom recovered by repentance and their last end is eternal damna- 
tion. "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, 
through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they 
are again entangled therein and overcome, the latter end is worse 
with them than the beginning." [See 2dPeter ii. 20, 21, 22.] 

Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. From this 
application the parable or above relation seems primarily to refer to 
the fickle-minded Jews in general, and the Scribes and Pharisees in 
particular, who pretend to be very religious outw T ardly, when the 
Lord declared that they were like whited sepulchres, which indeed 
appear beauiiful outside, but are within full of dead men's bones, 
and of all uncleanne&s. [Matt, xxiii. 27.] They wanted to see a sign 
or some miracle from Christ, and because they were not gratified in 
their own wav they finally said, crucify Him ! crucify Him ! ! — His 
blood be upon us and our children — and brought wrath on them- 
selves to the utmost ; so they were destroyed soon after from being a 
nation, and have been a by-word and a reproach among the nations 
where they are scattered. 

It is thought by some that this passage is susceptible of an indi- 
vidual application, and that the wicked disposition of aman is here 
represented by an unclean spirit, which could leave and return to 
the man at pleasure. That is intended to represent a person who, 
under conviction of sin, makes good resolutions and partially re> 
forms, but like the stony ground hearers, "he heareth the Word and 
anon with joy receiveth it. Yet hath no root in himself, butdureth 
for awhile, for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 395 

Word, by-and-by he is offended [Matt. xiii. 20, 21 ;] and the last 
state of that man is worse than the first; for there is a great differ- 
ence between the devil going out of a person and being driven out. 
A person may join a church under deception, thinking he has relig- 
ion, when the unclean spirit is only gone out, but he has no enjoy- 
ment there ; and he may continue so for a time, when the unclean 
spirit returns and finds it empty of all good— that is, his heart, and 
garnished with secret lusts — then he goeth and taketh with himself 
seven other spirits more wicked than himself. That is, the man, 
through the influence of the devil, yields to the secret lusts of the 
flesh, which are worse to a man than the devil himself. If he bus 
only been addicted to swearing profanely before, perhaps he now 
takes up lying and drunkenness, uncleahness, and every abomina- 
tion that comes in his way, — perhaps turns Atheist, and denies that 
there Is any God, or hereafter ; and it is next to impossible ever to 
persuade that man to turn his attention to religion ; and the last 
state of that man is worse than the first. 

Therefore let us take the admonition of Paul : "Take heed, 
brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in de- 
parting from the living God ; but exhort one another daily, witile it 
is called to-day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitful- 
ness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the 
beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." [Heb. iii. 12, 
13, 14.] And as there is great danger of being deceived in religion, 
by the unclean spirit and our own wicked hearts, "Examine your- 
selves whether ye be in the faith," for it matters not what our pro- 
fession is, unless we have experienced a change of heart. "Except 
a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 

Fraternally, Joseph C. Grayson. 

September 30th, 1S53. 



Grogax, Elder Thomas was a member of Wolfe's 
Creek church, and in 1832 was a lay delegate to the Broad 
River Association at its sessiou at Sandy Run church of that 
year. He appeared at the next session at Long Creek as a 
lavman, representing the same church, and in 1834 he ap- 
peared at the session of the Association for that year at 
Goucher Creek church as a licensed minister with Elder 
William Hannon ; then in 1835 at the session of Wolfe's 
Creek he appears as an ordained minister and delegate from 
the same church. After that we lose sight of him in the 
Broad River Minutes, and conclude he must have emigrated 
to some other field. We have heard him spoken of as a 
good preacher. We are unable to state the time of his birth, 
or what became of him after 1835. He mus^t have been or- 
dained to the full work of the ministry some time within 
that year. 



306 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Guthrie, Elder Jonathan was a member of Macedonia 
church, and in 1820 he was a lay delegate in the session of 
the Broad River Association, held at Mountain Creek 
church. In 1821 he appeared in the session held at Zion as 
a licensed preacher and delegate from Macedonia. He was 
ordained to the full work of the ministry in the year 1822, 
and was again delegated by that church to the session held 
at Mt. Zion church. He continued in the confidence of his 
church, and was annually chosen to represent it in the Asso- 
ciation until 1830. At the session of the body of that year 
a committee was appointed to examine into the standing of 
Macedonia church, who reported "the church in order, and 
Elder Guthrie in disorder." Measures were afterwards in- 
stituted to depose him from the ministry, and he was de- 
posed. The Association advised the churches composing its 
body to close their houses of public worship against said 
Guthrie, and further advised the members ot the churchea 
to close the doors of their dwellings against him as a preach- 
er. For a more detailed account ot Jonathan Guthrie, see 
the journalistic part of this work, session 1830. 



Hamilton, Elder Sanford Griffin was born in Ruth- 
erford (now Polk) county, K C., January llth, 1809. He 
joined the Baptist church at Green River in 1835, and com- 
menced exercising his gift soon after. In 1836 he made his first 
appearance in the Broad River Association as one of the 
delegates from Green River Church. Soon after that session 
(which was held at Zion Church) he was ordained to the full 
work of the gospel ministry,and made great improvements in 
preaching, despite the disadvantages he had to labor under 
by reason of a great lack of education. He became pastor 
of several churches, amongst which was Green River, Camp's 
Creek and Friendship. In 1839, he was so fortunate as to 
obtain in matrimony the hand of Miss Nancy Wells of Fair 
Forest, Spartanburg county, S. C, the daughter of a well 
known deacon, John Wells, Esq., with whom he lived in 
tender affection for a few years. At the session of the Asso- 
ciation held that year he was appointed by the body to 
preach the introductory sermon before the Association in 
1840, and also to write a circular letter on the subject of 
Brotherly Love, both of which appointments he filled with 
credit to himself. Soon after this, on Sept. 3rd, 1842, he 
had the misfortune to lose by the ruthless hand of death his 
dearly beloved wife. He afterward married Mrs. Eliza 
Eaves of Rutherfordton, and moved to Georgia, Cass county; 
and remained there until 1859. He then removed to Chero- 
kee county, Alabama, and the war coming on soon after, he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. !®T 

removed back to his native county, where he remained in- 
oare of his family until 1868, he removed to Kansas, and' 
from that new western state he took a sort of exploring 
tour through Indian Territory, contracted pneumonia, of 
which he died, Nov. 28th, 1881. He continued to preach' 
•during the whole period of his life, but while in Georgia he 
identitied himself with the Primitive sect of Baptists. The 
-circular letter prepared by himin 1840, is hereby reproduced 
and given in this work. 

Personal Appearance. — Elder S. Gr. Hamilton, was 
of small statue, not more than 5 feet 8 or 10 inches in hight, 
■of round heavy build, would probably weigh 150 pounds. 
Was genial and frank in his manners, always meeting 
friends with a smiling face. His head was large, well bal- 
anced and level, of quick apprehension, dark hair and blue 
eyes. If not very suitable for a leader, we venture the as- 
sertion that he generally did his own thinking, and acted 
accordingly. 

His history shows that he was of a roving, discontented 
turn of mind; he, like many other of the Adamic family, 
found out doubtless while on the brink of the grave, that 
unalloyed enjoyment in this life is only a myth, a mere 
phantom, existing only in the imagination- 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The Broad River Baptist Association — To the Churches in Union— ■ 

Greeting : 

Dear Brethren :— According to an arrangement made in our 
Sast annual meeting, we address you tbis year upon the subject of 
Brotherly Love ; and in directing your attention to a principle of 
such high magnitude, and to considerations of such vast importance 
as those embraced in the doctrines of our subject, we have great rea- 
sons to fear that, in a short letter, we shall not be able to do it that 
justice to which it is eminently entitled. For when we take into 
consideration the stress which is laid upon it in the Word of God, 
both as respects the manner in which it is stated and the frequency 
with which it is enjoined, sufficiently is proven to show us the pow- 
erful influence it has in the christian church, for it is enforced by our 
Lord as the distinguishing law that rules in the hearts of the sub- 
jects of His Kingdom "For this," says He (John xv. 12,) "is my 
commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you." 
Whether, then, we take into consideration the obligation we are 
under to obey Him whom we regard as the Author of our salvation 
or the benefits arising to ourselves and others. By a close adherence 
to this injunction, it embraces considerations of the highest interest 
to all christian believers who have become members of the mystical 
body of Christ, and are subjects to and sharers in the blessings of His 
divine kingdom. Our limits will not permit us to enlarge upon the 
subject and character of love, as it stands unconnected with the rel- 



308 * BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

ative term, "brother ;" for in fact, so far as this principle is seen to» 
exist in and form the character of the Eternal I Am, it is indescri- 
bable, and we might ju st as well undertake to describe the Eterna 
Being, who is the source of all creative power, and thereby unfold 
to view the cause of His existence, as to describe that unbounded 
ocean of love that exists i n.the character of the Deity. And although* 
there may be a cause why love exists in our hearts, which is implied 
in the relative term of brother, yet that sacred principle is uncaused 
in God, and is as independent for a reason of its existence as any 
other attribute that belongs to the character of Deity ; for the Word 
declares that "He is love." (1 John iv. 8.) And it necessarily fol- 
lows that this principle is as eternal and uncaused in God as any- 
other that belongs to His character. The existence of this fact, how- 
ever, does not hinder us from taking notice of this lovely principle, 
as it exists in the human heart in its relative character of brotherly 
love. For although it is uncaused in God, yet it is plain from His. 
eternal Word that it is caused in us; for it declares "that we love 
Him, because He first loved us." (1 John iv. 19.) In our endeavors r 
therefore, to simplify the bearing that this principle has upon the 
human character, and enforce the interest that all ought to take in 
cultivating its native and genuine loveliness upon the minds of men r 
we shall first speak of the distinguishing facts that constitute that 
spiritual relationship implied in the character of brother. 

The effects that love has upon the family created by this rela- 
tionship, and the consequences resulting therefrom in all the shade© 
in which it is to be viewed, both in its declining state in the hearts 
of believers as well as at the time when, from a high state of improve^ 
ment, it communicates the blessings enjoyed by those under its- 
happy influence. First, then, it is plain that all men do not stand 
in the relation to each other implied in the subject upon which we 
write, consequently they do not and can not be in possession of 
brotherly love— at least until the relationship is formed. For the 
word brother is a kindred term, and implies in a common parentage 
~-a common likeness, and a common interest ; it is a family word, 
used to express the tenderest endearments, and strongest ties formed 
by affinity. Spiritually speaking, it implies a oneness — as all the 
children of the same family is called our family — possessing common 
rights, common feelings, and common privileges, which arises out 
of a common principle of family relationship. This relationship 
must be formed before there can be formed in the heart a principle 
of brotherly love. Well may the children of God know that they 
are disciples of Christ, if they love one another, for in fact they can 
not possess brotherly love unless they are children. 

We have not space to describe here the manner in which this 
relationship is formed, for it would extend this letter beyond the 
usual limits. It will be sufficient to say that, in the economy of Di- 
vine grace, there has been a channel opened through which that 
creative or adopting power of love could flow to the hearts of believ- 
ers in Christ Jesus — which changes their relationship from worldly 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 599 

objects and "translates them into the Kingdom of God's dear Son" — 
which changes their hearts from the love of sin and forms them 
-anew in Christ. This Di-vine process upon the hearts of men, alien- 
ated from God, and who are represented as strangers and foreigners 
from the common family, rights and privileges, and that brings 
them nigh by the blood of the covenant, and adopts them into the 
family of the saints in Christ, is called the "new birth" — being born 
•again, being born of the Spirit, created anew in Christ Jesus, by 
which process a family connexion is formed, and the same family 
feeling and spirit of love is communicated to every heart; and by 
which a covenant relationship is formed with God, though Jesus 
Christ as our Father ; which makes the believer a child, an heir, and 
•a joint heir with the blessed Redeemer. And in the communication 
-of love we become partakers of the same nature with him of God, 
And as Christ was the express image of the Father, so we by becom* 
■ing partakers of His nature, assimilate into His likeness and image 
in a spiriual point of view. And thus having the family likeness, 
•and the family feelings, like as Christ loved us, so we love one 
another. 

The effect and consequences flowing out of this relationship, con- 
stitute the second consideration to which we invite your attention. 
And first, the communication of love for God to man, creates in the 
heart brotherly love, which is shown in the plainest terms by the 
language of Scripture. "We love Him because He first loved us.' 7 
(1st John xiv; 19.) "He that loveth him that begat, loveth him 
•also that is begotten." Consequently, the cause that we love God, 
is because He first loved us, and the cause that we love him that is 
■begotten, is because we love Him that begetteth. It is therefore the 
great love of God, made manifest in the hearts in covenant mercies, 
that produces in the human heart the first principles of brotherly 
love ; and all that have ever experienced its powerful influence upon 
their hearts have felt, at the time of its reception, not only love to- 
ward their Redeemer and Friend, but also a strong affection for and 
great attachment toward those who have, by the power of adopting 
grace, been made members of the same spiritual family, and parta- 
kers of the Divine nature with themselves. 

And it is this principle existing in the feelings of the common 
brotherhood that unites them together, and engages them to take 
such great interest, and undergo such great labor for each others' 
welfare, and which should at all times so affect the christian heart 
toward his brother as to cause him to watch over him for good— to 
promote his interest and spiritual welfare— to conceal his follies, 
bear with his imperfections, and increase his happiness by every 
means which it is in his power to employ. 

Many reasons might be here set forth why this course should be 
pursued by every christian, a few of which must now suffice ; and 
first, because it is acting in obedience to the directions, and well 
pleasing in the sight of God, and tends to the carrying out the objects 
intended by the establishment of this great rule and law of His 



400 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Kingdom. Secondly, it insures to the possessor of it all the advan- 
tages arising from the blessings of Divine life ; for in our obedience 
we are to be blessed — ''for thai man," says the Word, "shall be bless- 
ed in his deed." The sweet influence, therefore, of the heavenly 
winds of peace and joy may be expected by those who feel the kind 
emotions of love toward the brethren, from the fact that it is set- 
down as a rule of evidence by which we know that we are the disci- 
ples of Christ ; for in its enjoyments we see clearly that we are the 
children of the same Heavenly Parentage, and, by the rule or law 
of covenant mercies, entitled to the guardian protection and kind 
assistance of our Heavenly Father. It opens up to our view the 
kind attention and thoughts of peace that God the Father hath 
towards us, and the great provisions made for our present and future 
support and comfort ; yea, it enables us to read in this sacred rule of 
evidence that we are children, because we feel that which no other 
can feel for us, to-wit : Love toward the Lovely Parent, who hath 
begotten us to a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from 
the dead ; and at the same time love toward all the children of like 
parentage, by which we know ourselves to be heirs and joint heirs- 
of all the riches and glories that belong and appertain to the Fath- 
er's house. O! brethren! what a field of. heavenly prospects arises- 
to the view of those in possession of this testimony ! All the heights 
of immortal joys belong of right to them. *The unfading fields of 
heavenly bliss, varieerated as they are by the flowers and beauties in- 
terspersed all through those abodes and mansions of the blessed, are 
all their's. In reviewing this delightful'theme, they see themselves 
the favored children of parental care through time, and beyond the 
grave the happy sharers together of everlasting life ; they can view 
no end to the joys of this family inheritance. They may gaze through 
its mighty expanse, and as the mind runs along the flowery land- 
scape of this prospective view, it is sw T allowed up in the Divine rev- 
erie of thought that, while veiled in short-sighted humanity, the 
mind is enabled to trace only the margin of the riches and heavenly 
ioy laid up for those who love God and one another. 

And well may such persons say to themselves, that if the fore- 
taste or earnest of this inheritance sweetens so much the bitter cup 
of dull mortality, and renders moments so delightful in their pass- 
ing bliss, what will the enjoyment be when they are possessed of the 
inheritance itself in glory? — which insures eternal rest, immortal 
honors and heavenly joys — and exempts the possessor from every 
fear and fearful thought of sin, of sorrow and of death. What strong 
reasons are here presented why we should love the brethren ! And 
not only is it an evidence to us that we are disciples — and if so — by 
covenant grace the rightful heirs of those blessings named. But 
there should be a remembrance in our minds, and which should 
strongly induce us to cherish this brotherly principle of love, that 
we shall be sharers of all those great and lasting blessings set forth 
above— that our brethren here will be our associates there— that these 
considerations may tei.d to heighten the interest we feel in that 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 401 

abode of everlasting peace; for that while we strike our notes of 
praise in strains of joy for redeeming grace upon the golden harps of 
heaven, our happiness may be heightened by the harmony arising 
out of the songs of kindred souls, shouting forth their praises in the 
Heavenly Redeemer for delivering grace. These considerations 
should strongly influence every believer in the church of Christ to 
impart to one another every needed assistance, for we should be co- 
workers together and co- helpers of each other — bearing in mind that 
our business in life is to secure the crown of immortality for our- 
selves and others. '"This," says the Savior, "is my commandment, 
that ye love one another as I have loved you." (John xv. 12.) What 
likeness th'en has our love to His? His love to us influenced Him 
to undergo many painful sensations to relieve us from pain, and our 
love for the brethren should produce in us a like feeling. His love 
to us produced in Him a strong desire to administer to our wants, to 
search out the cause of our sorrow and apply the antidote for its re- 
lief. And our love, to be like His, must and should influence us to 
pursue the same high aim toward one another. His love to us had 
regard to our suffering condition, and so should ours toward our 
brethren. His love to us induced Him to visit and comfort us in 
our needy time, to converse with us like a friend speaks to his 
friends;yea,it was even long suffering towards us. When we wronged 
Kim He did not complain, but overlooked the wrong, and loved us 
still / and when we denied Him as our friend He turned and looked 
upon us with the compassion of dying love, while He hung in pain 
for our sakes, and not one unkind word He spake against us. After 
all, to love one another like He loved us, how kind and tender ought 
we to be ! forbearing toward one another, and comforting, and im- 
parting to one another those favors their needs require as far as it in 
our power to do so ; and as saith the Word, "to do good, and to com- 
municate forget not." Thus love to our brethren will lead us to bear 
one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. And in fact 
it is the strongest evidence that we love the brethren if we feel a dis- 
position fixed in us to visit, relieve, and comfort them, and the 
strongest expressions of Scripture bear us out in the assertion. Wit- 
ness 1 John i. 17. "Whoso hath this world's goods and seeth his 
brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from 
him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ?" See Rom. xii. 13. 

Forbearance is also a great part of brotherly love. "Forbearing 
one another in love," says the Word. Eph. iv. 2. In the christian 
church there is great variety of character, and through the weak- 
ness of frail humanity it may be expected that causes of distress will 
arise, in ail of which great forbearance should be exercised, which 
will not only show forth our love, but also tend to cultivate in oth- 
ers' that principle toward us. It is the heaping coals of fire, or melt- 
ing love upon the hearts of those that have a quarrel against us — to 
exercise toward them the gentle principle of love and forbearance. 
The truth is, if we have cause to speak to our offending brother, all 
the meekness and gentleness of Christ should be in our temper and 
51 



402 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

manner. We should dip our tongue in the very fountain of love. 
Every feeling-, every look, every tone of anger should be suppressed, 
if we wish to show a brother's love to him and secure his love to us. 
And the very favors of heaven are upon such in the discharge of such 
duties; for "blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called 
the children of God." Thus you may see, dear brethren, the good 
effects and consequences that flow from love toward one another in 
its high state of cultivation. 

If we love one another as we should, we have great desire for 
each others' welfare ; consequently, at a throne of grace, we have 
remembrance there for each other. If we love each other, we love 
to meet and attend upon the means of grace. Our churches are full 
on the times of our assembling for worship, and the highest pleasure 
known on earth are enjoyed under the exercise of brotherly kindness 
and tender affection for each other. And by this love and affection 
we testify that we have been with Jesus, and others take knowledge 
of the fact. In truth, love is ihe ruling law of our kingdom, and 
without it the kingdom itself tumbles down. 

How great, then, is the injunction "to love one another !" How 
much depends upon it ! how immutable is loveliness ; how lasting 
its consequences ; how consoling the blessings it imparts to others ; 
how sweet the enjoyment to the possessor. It relieves the distressed, 
it comforts the mourner, it gives rest to the weary, it soothes the sor- 
rows of the afflicted and makes them forget their pain, it takes away 
the sting of death, it is the cemtnt that binds together the kingdom 
of Christ, it unites the powers that pall down the walls of Satan's 
kingdom, it supports in death, it opens the pass of Jordan and trans- 
lates the souls of men from the abodes of death to the realms of life ; 
it has built the high mansions of Heaven, and fills the everlasting- 
fields of love with the sweetest notes of praise; for in fact Christ is 
God with us and in Him. We have relationship to God, for He is 
our elder brother, and the channel through which this distinguish- 
ing principle has come to us to refresh our w T eary souls. His love to 
us was brotherly love — living as a brother, speaking and acting 
among men ; His birth is regarded as the nativity of love ; His ser- 
mons, the words of love; His miracles, the wonders of love; His 
tears, the meltings of love ; His crucifixion, the agonies of love ; His 
resurrection, the triumphs of love. Herein it is natural that love 
should be the cardinal virtue in the character of His saints, and that 
it should be the law that regulates their conduct towards each other. 

If, then, dear brethren, as much depends of present happiness 
and future joy on the cultivation of this principle amongst us, what 
manner of people ought we to be, in all loveliness, that the image of 
Jesus may appear in us, and that we stimulate others to the pursuit 
of objects of like character? Therefore, while we feel great love in 
our hearts toward you, w r e beseech you to cultivate among yourselves 
the tenderest feelings of brotherly love, for we know that the very 
reverse of what we have said will follow if you have not love one 
toward another. Every shade of distress and sorrow will follow, 
which we have not space here to name. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 403 

And njay the God bf love sanctify your hearts and aid you in 

your respective duties, so that you may be the happy partakers of 
the blessings arising out of the heavenly influence of love upon 
your hearts, is the prayer of youis in Gospel bonds. 

8. G. Hamilton. 
October 16th, 1840. 



Hamrick, Elder George Pockney was born August 
23rd, 1849, in. Cleveland County, X. C. Professed religion 
and joined the church at Boiling Springs in August, 1863. 
AVas educated at Wake Forest College. Ordained to the 
ministry in January, 1880, by Eider J. 8. Ezell and A. A. 
MeSwain officiating presbytery. 

Brother Hamrick made his first appearance in the 
King's Mountain Association in the session of 1873, then a 
lay delegate. In the session of 1874 he was again a delegate 
and a licentiate from the Boiling Springs church. He did 
not again appear until the session of 1879 and 1880, being 
absent at College. 

Elder Hamrick having completed his course of studies 
at Wake Forest College, has entered fully into the ministerial 
work, and has now the pastoral care of State Line church 
in the town of Whitaker, and of Bethlehem, besides laboring 
at other points in the surrounding country. He is not only 
a v^ry acceptable preacher, but a good pastor and indefatia- 
ble worker, endeavoring to push forward all the objects or 
enterprises of the church or Association whether it be home 
or Foreign Missions, Sunday School, Temperance, Church 
Music, etc. 

His residence is at Whitaker on the Richmond and At- 
lanta Air Line Railroad, where he has been engaged in 
teaching" until recently he has given his whole time to the 
ministry of the Word. 

Elder Hamrick is a young man of o;reat promise, and 
we, with his many ardent friends anticipate for him a career 
of much usefulness as a minister of the Gospel of Christ. 
His views of the doctrines of sovereign grace are eminently 
scriptural, and his presentation of them are generally very 
earnest and effective. His style of preaching is argumenta- 
tive and persuasive, mixed with much tenderness and melt- 
ing pathos. "He will doubtless be able generally to make a 
good impression on the congregation that attend his minis- 
trations of the word. May he be spared many years to labor 
in the vineyard of the Master! And may he have many 
seals to his ministry! 



434 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Harrill, Elder William is a native of Rutherford 
county, N. C., born October 1st, 1803. He joined the 
church at Concord in 1828, and was ordained 1833. At the 
session of the Broad River Association in 1837 he appeared 
in that body as a delegate, and again in the session of 
1840. The Concord church was dismissed in 1841 to assist 
in the organization of the Green River Association, and 
brother Harrill was isolated thereby from the Broad River 
body for a time, but in 18-47 he joined Bethel church by let- 
ter, and represented that church in the Broad River body in 
1847, being then the pastor of the church at Bethel. 

Elder Harrill was blind of an eye, and said to be a very 
pious minister of the gospel. He was, however, like a great 
many Baptist preachers of the olden time, somewhat desti- 
tute of scholastic attainments. After serving the Bethel 
church for a few years, we think he returned again to the 
Green River Association, and a few years since was pastor 
of the church at Cool Spring. He yet lives, in the 79th year 
of his age and has a cross-bearing son to represent him in 
the person of Elder H. D. Harrill, of the Green River Asso- 
ciation. 



Harris, Elder J. Logan appears in the minutes of the 
Broad River Association as the pastor of Unity church from 
1856 to 1866. His birth place is unknown to the writer. 
He married a Miss Spangler, of Cleveland county, N. C. He 
embraced religion in early life and was licensed to preach 
about the year 18 — , and has since been ordained to the full 
work of the ministry. He is a good cabinet workman, and 
devotes as much of his time to preaching as he can spare 
from the requirements of his mechanical profession. He is 
an uneducated man, but a close student of the Bible, with 
some fluency of words whereby he is enabled to say some 
things comforting and edifying to those who attend his min- 
istrations. We are without information as to his present 
whereabouts, but think he has moved out of the bounds of 
the Broad River Association. He was probably born about 
the vear 1825. 



Harguess, Elder Abraham was a pioneer Baptist min- 
ister, who was doubtless in the Convention that organized 
the Broad River Association. We find from the Minutes of 
the Association that he represented one of the churches in 
the session of 1801, and took part in the deliberations of the 
body at that early day, and he does not subsequently appear 
in the records ; he probably emigrated to some other field of 
labor previous to the meeting of the body in 1802. We are 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 405 

unable to give his history as to ministerial services or quali- 
fications. Let his name, however, be handed down to the 
generation yet to come as being worthy of grateful remem- 
brance for the assistance he rendered the denomination to 
which he belonged in organizing an advisory council, which 
has been productive of many blessings to the Baptist people. 



Holland, Elder Julius was a member of Long Creek 
church, and a lay delegate to the Broad River Association 
in the session of 1811. He is supposed to have been born 
about 1774, and ordained to the ministry in 1812. He is 
said to be a brother of Hon. James Holland, who represent- 
ed Rutherford county in the Senatorial branch of the Legis- 
lature of JSTorth Carolina in 1797, and also of Elder Moses 
Holland, of the Saluda River Association, an able and elo- 
quent minister for that time. The family of Hollands of 
Gaston county, N. C, many of whom are high-toned and re- 
spectably connected, are represented as being the descend- 
ants of Elder Julius Holland. 

He died in 1813, about a year after his ordination to the 
ministry, and we find the subjoined entry on the Minutes of 
the Association of that year : 

Resolved, That we notice the demise of Elder Julius Holland, 
of Long Creek church, who died since the last session of this body. 
He was a pious minister of the Gospel, an ornament to society, and 
a friend to the poor. 



Hannon, Elder William was a member of Wolfe's 
Creek church in 1822, and as a layman represented the church 
in the Broad River Association that year. He was licensed 
to preach the next year, and continued consecutively as a 
delegate to the Association annually until 1842, having been 
ordained to the full work of the ministry about the year 
1825. During this period of time he was pastor nearly all 
the time ot Wolfe's Creek and Green's Creek churches, and 
for a time Cross Roads. After this we lose sight of him, 
and are unable to say whether he emigrated to some other 
field of labor, or was taken to his reward. We are not in- 
formed of the date of his advent into the world, but having 
once seen him, would suppose it may have been about 1795. 
We never heard Elder Hannon preach the Gospel, but have 
been informed that he was a good, pious man, of moderate 
lircachino; talents. 



Henderson, Elder Hugh was a lay delegate from 
Green's Creek in 1808, afterward was a member of Wolfe's 
Creek, and a licentiate in 1819, and a delegate to the Broad 



40l> BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

River Association. In 1821 he was ordained to the full min- 
isterial work, and was continued as a delegate to the differ- 
ent sessions of the Association until 1830, when his name 
was marked as an absentee. We suppose the old pioneer- 
had become superannuated, and doubtless soon passed away 
to his reward. We are not informed as to the date of his- 
birth or death, nor have we any information as to his quali- 
iications as a minister. We doubt not, however, that he ren- 
dered much valuable aid to the cause of Christ, in the early- 
days of the Association. Let his name be remembered bv 
succeeding generations. He was doubtless not only a soldier 
of the cross, but a Revolutionary patriot besides, as many of 
the old pioneer ministers were known to be. In the trou- 
blous times of the Revolutionary war nearly every man, re- 
gardless of his calling or profession — whether under com- 
pulsive requirements or not — did voluntarily (being moved 
by patriotic impulses,) take a defensive position in behalf of 
liberty. 



Hicks, Elder Berryman, is a native of Spartanburg 
county, S. C. Born July 1st, 1778. Joined the Baptist 
church at the original State Line a short distance from the 
present house of worship of that name, about the year 1800 7 
and appears in the minutes as a lay delegate from said church, 
in the session of the Broad River Association held at New 
Salem in Rutherford county, N. C. in 1801. He w T as soon 
afterwards licensed and set apart by ordination in 1808, by a 
presbyter) consisting (it is said) of Elders Joseph Camp. 
Drury Dobbins and others to the full work of the ministry. 
And believing, as he doubtless did, "it was not good for a 
man to be alone" he had intermarried with Miss Elizabeth 
Durham, of Rutherford county, K Con October 10th, 1799, 
and now settled on Sandy Run Creek in 1809, where he 
continued to reside many years, during which they reared a 
large and interesting family. During this time he, with his 
fellow-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, (Elder Drury 
Dobbins,) "went everywhere preaching the word." He was 
a great revivalist, and by his persuasive, tender and pathetic 
manner, he through divine grace accomplished much appa- 
rent good in building up a religious interest, which at that 
time was in a drooping and depressed condition. The names 
of "Hicks and Dobbins" became household words, so great 
was their popularity as ministers. Hicks possessed some 
poetical talent and composed numerous hymns and spiritual 
songs very well adapted to the revival occasions, which were 
very much in use by the brethren and sisters of that period, 
and are well remembered by many of the present day. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 407 

Many persons vet living will recollect Hick's experience, 
which he put into verse as follows; 

Come all ye christian pilgrims, who are from sin set free, 
Come here, sit down and listen while I relate to thee: 
Long time I lived in darkness, in love with vanity — 
Loved to frequent unholy ways, and from the Lord did flee. 

As I was running from Him He called unto me, 
The road that you are going leads down to misery : 
But still I pressed — determined for to go — 
But Jesus followed after to prevent my overthrow. 

He told me of the riches that were laid up on high, 
And all that did helieve on Him, he said should ne'er die ; 
.1 thought it was too soon for me, in pleasure I would dwell, 
But Jesus still pursued me and kept my soul from hell. 

I thought I would reject Him, and oftentimes I tried, 
At length He made it known to me, He would not be denied; 
He stretched out the Gospel net and sweetly drew me in, 
If I'd had my choice, I had lived still in sin. 

I think I ought to love Him for what He's done for me, 
He took me from the dreadful pit, and set the captive free; 
Upon the rock of ages He's fixed my standing sure ; 

for a heart to praise Him till the decisive hour! 

To pattern after Jesus, it was my full intent, 

And in His ordinances most cheerfully I went ; 

My soul did magnify the Lord, free grace 1 then did sing: 

1 with my duties did comply, and Jesus was my theme. 

I lov'd to meet my brethren dear, and with them often join 
To praise our glorious Savior, that was to us so kind, 
While joining all together in peace and unity, 
We had each other's cause at heart, and sweetly did agree. 

The preachers were engaged, the Gospel sounded loud, 
And many precious converts to Zion's gates did crowd, 
While love and acclamation so freely did abound, 
And glory to King Jesus throughout the camps did sound. 

But now the scene is changed — religion's at its ebb — 
We see the mourning pilgrim now bowing down his head, 
In sighs and lamentations he makes a mournful cry : 
Come pay to us a visit, dear Jesus from on high. 

Cheer up my loving brethren, your sorrows soon shall en:l, 
And then away to Canaan to see your dearest friend, 
Where you shall never part again, but in sweet union dwell— 
And now, my loving brethren, I bid you all farewell ! 

As a preacher, however, he excelled, and was certainly 
the Apollos of the Broad River Association in his day and 
time, because he was not only gifted in oratory hut was 
"mighty in the Scriptures." His mind was of a superior 
tirder, and although his education was limited, yet his intel- 
lectual powers were so massive and penetrating as to enable 
him to grapple with any great question, either of divinity or 
science : and vet he was as unassuming, modest and mild as 



408 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the most effeminate of the softer sex. He was never known 
to be captions, or in anywise contentious. Had Elder Hicks 
been educated, and enjoyed the advantages of wealthy and 
influential family connexions, there is no knowing what a 
bright and shining light he would have been among men of 
science and literature. His career, as it is, has not proven a 
dark and worthless record. As before stated, he made his 
first appearance in the associate body in 1803, as a layman ; 
since that time he has continued almost successively to figure 
annually in the Association, and frequently as Moderator or 
Clerk of the body, which shows the esteem in which he was 
held by the brotherhood ; and the acts of the body with 
which he was connected speak for themselves, declaring his 
ability and usefulness as a religious business man. 

Elder Hicks was always a lover of music, either vocal or 
instrumental. In early life he became a good performer on 
the violin, the beautiful and melodious strains of which he 
suffered to be turned to a bad use in the service of sin. While 
thus perverting its use, and really abusing it, he acquired an 
ugly habit of twitching his head in keeping time to the mu- 
sic, which he afterwards carried with him into the pulpit, 
and from which it is said he never, during life, was entirely 
relieved. Although this was probably the case — for it is 
almost impossible to eradicate bad habits — yet he would 
often, after his conversion, amuse himself and family, even 
late in life, by playing on the violin as an accompaniment to 
the singing of the sweet song of Zion. And why should he 
not? It was just as proper as the use of the organ in the 
churches at the present day. 

Unfortunately, after Elder Hicks' popular and useful 
career in the Broad River Association, he became financially 
embarrassed for a large amount, whereby a brother, Deacon 
E. Jones, who was his bondsman, became a severe sufferer, 
and in consequence of which, fellowship could not be main- 
tained, Elder II. being at the time a member of and pastor 
of the Buffalo church, one of the constituents of the Broad 
River Association. A case was made and set for hearing in 
that church, and after laboring a good deal for fellowship, 
without any good result, the matter was dropped, Elder 
Hicks remarking that "if he had committed anything worthy 
of death, that was the time to slay him." He was not slain 
by any act of excommunication or censure, but the matter 
abated, and he moved (without a letter of dismission) to his 
native county of Spartanburg, S. C, and was (agreeably to 
the Minutes' of the Association) called to the pastorate of 
Buck Creek church in 1838. It is alleged by some that he 
never preached any more after his troubles with Deacon 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 409 

Jones, and in that particular acted consistently, and in obedi- 
ence to the law of Christ in never afterward bringing his 
"gift to the altar," because he remembered his brother had 
aught against him. But that needs confirmation. If he was 
chosen pastor, he probably preached — which, however, if he 
did, was certainly a violation of the law of Christ, which re- 
quires a reconciliation with his brother before exercising his 
gift. 

Under this dark cloud our venerable Bro. Hicks was 
called away, and the difficulty between him and Deacon 
Jones was never satisfactorily adjusted; consequently Elder 
Hicks was never afterwards a member of the associate body, 
in which he bad previously borne so distinguished a part. 
He died on the 11th day of June, 1839, on Little Buck 
Creek, Spartanburg county, S. C. His demise is unnoticed 
in the Minutes of the Association at any subsequent session. 
Whether this be ungrateful we will not pretend to say. We 
hope, however, and believe that Elder Hicks was like other 
men who have to contend with many fojbles and imperfec- 
tions, but withal, was a pious christian and servant of God. 
"Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." 

Elder H. was a strong Calvinist, and believed in the 
doctrine of "election." We therefore reproduce his song on 
that subject, viz : 

"Come, brethren, let us join and sing . 
The praises of our Heavenly Kins', 
Who found us lost and brought us home, 
Pardoned our sins and made us His own 
B} T the glorious plan of Election. 

Election is a glorious theme, 

It pleases me to hear the name ; 

But some will say they despise the plan, 

And tell you Arminius was the man 

That showed the right way of salvation. 

But Jesus Christ is God's elect, 
And He will not His own neglect ; 
His people were all elected in Him 
Before the world it did begin, 

Or any part of Creation. 

Some will say Election's wrong, 
And hold with Arminius very strong, 
And mix free-will throughout the throng, 
And say every man can come along 
And receive a free salvation. 

Some will say Election's right, 
But then will turn and just deny't, 
And say that God has laid a plan 
That's open'd a way for every man 
To receive a free salvation. 

52 



410 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Some will say Election's wrong, 
And hold with Anninius very strong, 
Bat then will turn atid tell you true, 
A guilty sinner nothing can do 

To merit his own salvation. 
• 
Some will say free-will is true, 
And there is nothing else will do ; 
They say that God is gracious still, 
And every one may, come when they will, 

And receive a free salvation, 

If this be so I ask you all, 
To make a difference in the call, 
And tell us why some do come in 
While others live and die in sin, 

And never receive salvation. 

Methinks I hear you thus reply, 
For ever.y one did Jesus die, 
As much for them that die in sin 
As them that are by grace brought in 
To receive a full salvation. 

I wonder why some are so blind 
To treat the Scriptures so unkind? 
They give the sinner all the power 
His happiness for to secure, 

And merit his own salvation. 

I believe Election's right— 
I never intend for to deny't — 
Because I tind a golden chain 
Throughout the Scripture of the same, 
And every link's Election. 

Come now, my friends, begin to view 
And search the Scriptures clearly through, 
And drop the notion of free-wilt. 
And now I bid you all farewell, 

And pray for your salvation. 

Pergonal Appearance. — Elder Hicks was above the 
ordinary height, very corpulent, and weight probably 250 to 
300 pounds; blue, or rather hazel eyes, dark hair, erect 
form, and, upon the whole, of very fine physique and attract- 
ive appearance generally. 

We give to the public two circular letters written by 
Elder Hicks, believing that their reproduction and perusal 
may prove beneficial to the reader of this work. The first 
is on the Foundation on which Christians can be Agreed ; and 
the second is on the Design of Circumcision, and the difference 
between that and Baptism. The foregoing have been selected 
from various other letters of his, because of the subjects 
treated. Elder Hicks has written elaborately on other sub- 
jects : 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 411 

CIRCULAR LETTER, 

The Foundation on which Christiana can be Agreed. 

Beloved Brethren :— Through an indulgent Providence we 
have bad another interview, in an associate capacity, while our bus- 
iness has been conducted in moderation and christian love. The 
subject on which we address you this year is the foundation on 
which christians can be agreed. 

The word christian properly implies one who, by the gracious 
and almighty act of the Divine Spirit, is actually separated from the 
world by effectual calling which is sovereign, unconditional, partic- 
ular and immutable, in consequence of which he is redeemed and 
everlastingly saved by Jesus Christ. (John xv. 19 ; Eph. i. 4 ; Thess. 
ii. 13.) He is under solemn obligations to walk in all the commands 
of the Lord, and in so doing is entitled to all the privileges of the 
church of Christ. The latter is for him alone, and the former bind- 
ing upon him and no other character whatever. (Matt. xi. 29 ; John 
x. 4.) Any acting contrary to this must be guilty of a most egregious 
error ; must fly in the face of authority, and give that which is holy 
unto the dogs, which our Lord has strictly forbidden. (Matt, vii, 6.) 
There is one Lord who is our Creator, preserver, and Saviour ; one 
faith which is the gift of God, that purities the heart and works by 
love. (Eph. iv. 5 ; Gal. v. 6 ;) and one baptism which is an ordinance 
of the New Testament, instituted by Jesus Christ, whereby a pro- 
fessed believer in Christ is in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost, immersed in and covered with water ; 
and then raised up out of it as a sign of his fellowship with Christ — 
in His death, burial and resurrection, and a sign of His own death 
to sin and resurrection to newness of life here, and to life eternal 
hereafter. (Rom. vi. 3, 4, 5 ; Col. ii 12.) 

Christ cannot be divided— genuine faith is not divided. And 
this sacred ordinance of believers — baptism by immersion — is not, 
cannot be divided ; therefore this is the only foundation on which 
christians can be agreed. Many have been and all should be. 

Objection by question 1st, cannot the Anti-Pedo-Baptists and 
Pedo-Baptists come together, be agreed, and have a general union 
on some other foundation ? 

Answer.— We cannot ; for all other foundations, when compared 
with the above named, dwindle into nothing — are only tradition, or 
the commandments of men ; therefore are not permanent. 

Question 2nd, can we not come together, be agreed, and have a 
general union, and say nothing about our foundation ? 

Answer. — We can not ; it would only be a pretended union / 
for how shall two walk together except they be agreed? Amos hi. 3. 

Question 3d, can you not bend a little, so that we can be agreed ? 
for would it not be most to the glory of God and the prosperity of 
Zion for us all to unite together? 

Answer. — We can not bend little or much ; we can not go beyond 
the Word of the Lord, or depart from His commandments— because 
we love Him. "For we are not as many which corrupt the word of 
t 



412 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

God, but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty— not 'walk- 
ing in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully." (2 Cor. 
ii. 17. iv. 2.) If the Lord designs that all christians shall be agreed, 
and a general union take piece, He will affect it upon the foundation 
that standeth sure, and undoubtedly it will be most to His glory 
and the prosperity of Zion ; and we say Lord, hasten the time. But 
if it tarry we must wait for it. 

Question 4th, can we not be agreed and come together upon this: 
—think and let think? 

Answer. — Impossible ; for there is no agreement or union in this 
phrase at all ; for instance, one may say I think there is no God, 
angel or spirit. I think, says another, there are ten thousand Gods. 
Another, I think all mankind will be saved. Another, I think 
there are no future rewards or punishments. Another, I think all 
mankind will be saved. Another, I think there is no resurrection 
of the dead. Another, I think Mahomet was greater and better 
than Jesus Christ. Another, I thins the Pope is greater than Ma- 
homet. Another, I think David Durrow or Ann Lee is greater than 
either. Thus it is evident that "think and let think" will admit 
that Paganism, Atheism, Deism, Universalism, Mahometanism, 
Roman Catholicism, and Shakerism all stand upon an equal footing 
with the Christian religion, which we dare not admit. 

Question 5th : but leaving all these as heretics, and coming 
among ourselves, who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, 
and that the Christian religion is the only religion that can make 
men happyliere or hereafter? we contend that we can come together 
on this, to think and let think. 

Answer. — In confessing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, we 
do acknowledge four important things. First, that there are chris- 
tians ; secondly, that there are certain examples, precepts and ordi- 
nances in the Gospel ; thirdly, that tViose christians should strictly 
adhere to them ; and fourthly, that if they do not, they are guilty of 
an error in leaving undone the things they should have done. 

It is not a supposition— or I think with us— but is absolutely re- 
duced to a certainty, and weknow. Therefore "think and let think" 
can not have a place amongst us. It is time it was buried forever, 
for it not only admits of heresy, folly and sin, but will do away the 
commandments of God, and is not able to justify us in His sight. 

But further, we know that christians are saved by grace through 
faith, and' that not of themselves, it is the gift of God. (Eph. ii. 8, 
0.) We think that all men have light and power sufficient given 
them, if they will improve it, to bring them to Jesus Christ. We 
know that every soul that receives a pardon of sin, through the 
atoning merits of Christ, shall be saved with an everlasting salva- 
tion. (Isa. xiv. 17 ; John x, 27, 28, 29 ; 1 Peter i. 3, 4, 5.) We think 
the child of God may apostatize, and be forever lost We know tbat 
believers are the only subjects of baptism. (Matt, xxviii. 19; Mark 
xvi. 16; Acts ii. 38, 41 ; viii. 12 ; ix. 18; xvi. 15,33; xviii. 8. J We 
think penitents and infants are subjects of baptism. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. i 413 

We know immersion is the only mode of baptism. (Matt. iii. 10; 
John iii. 2:; ; Arts viii. 36, 38, 39 ; Roni. vi. 3, I, 5 ; Col. ii. 12.) We 
think pouring or sprinkling is the only mode of baptism, but rather 
than lose a member., we would immerse him, lor we think we might 
aet upon his faith. ■ 

We know "whatsoever is not of faith is sin." (Rom. xiv. 23.) 
And we know that none has aright to come to the communion table 
but orderly, regularly baptized believers. (Ex. xii. 43-49 ; Num. xviii. 
11 ; Matt. xxvi. 23-29 ; 1 Cor. v. 11 ; x. 7, 14-21.) We think all may 
come to the table that will. 

Thus we see that ''think and let think" will not do for a foun- 
dation. And know and think are very far from being agreed, then 
all must know, and all comply, and all will be agreed. Then 
this great and sweet union will take place upon the right foundation. 
Question 6th. As we all profess to believe in Jesus Christ, can 
we not be agreed by laying aside all our non-essentials f 

Answer. — If you have non-essentials, you are at liberty to lay 
them aside. We humbly request you to do so ; but we have not 
■any non-essentials, A firm belief in Jesus Christ is essential to sal- 
vation. And all the examples, precepts and ordinances of the bless- 
ed Gospel is essential to the peace, happiness, love, joy^ honor, glory, 
.adorning, beautifying, and prosperity of the Church of Christ. 
Therefore we cannot — we dare not lay them aside. 

Question 7th. Have we not as good aright to our opinion and 
belief as you have for yours ? 

Answer. — There is as great a necessity for you to believe right as 
for us ; and if your opinion and belief is really congenial with the 
Scripture, you have as good a right, and we should be no more 
twain, but one. But if it is not, you have not as good a right ; and 
for us to say you have, would be giving up the point, which we dare 
not do. (Judei. 3.) And between us we should thereb t y make the 
plain written word as an old enigma put forth, and everybody left 
to guess at the meaning. 

Question 8th. Are you not a very narrow-hearted ami bigoted 
sect? Do you not assume to yourselves infallibility and unchristian 
all other denominations? 

Answer.— Our hearts and the doors of our churches are as wide 
as the door of mercy, and we pity those whose hearts and doors are 
wider. We are much attached to the commands of God ami our 
sacred profession. We are not blindly zealous, but by-the light of 
Divine Truth we stick to the commands to a punctilio, and rind rest 
to our souls. And if we are condemned for doing right, so was our 
Lord and Master, and we are not greater than He. We do not 
assume infallibility; as mortals we are fallible, but the God we wor- 
ship and obey is infallible. His Gospel, commands, example, pre- 
■ cepts and ordinances are all infallible. This is the old way— this is 
1 he good unci right way. This is the foundation on which christians 
can be agreed. Do not censure us for continuing therein, but come, 
O do come, and walk with us, and let us rejoice together, and feel "a 



4U BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

heavenly union." We do not unchristian all others, but do believe- 
there are many precious christians of other denominations, but they 
are undutiful— yet we love them, and wish them to do well. There- 
tore we are waiting with open doors, hearts and hands to receive 
you. God commands you— Jesus invites you — we are looking for 
you— you may come— you can come — you ought to come — do pray 
come, and let us be agreed upon this precious living foundation,. 
Jesus Christ, His doctrine, and holy Gospel ordinances. This is the 
only foundation on which christians can be sweetly and lastingly 
agreed. Therefore, we again say, come! Behold! how good and? 
how pleasant it is for bretnren to dwell together in unity. 

Mow to the God who is able to bring and establish all christians 
upon this foundation, and give us sweetest union, be honor and 
glory forever. Amen. Bekkyman Hicks. 

Oeiuber 13th, 18J0. 



CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The Broad River Baptist Association to the Churches in union Greet- 
ing : 

Beloved Brethren: — According to a resolve of last year, w r e 
address you on "The design of Circumcision, and the difference be- 
tween that and Baptism.'''' 

In doing this, we will first speak of the act of circumcision ; sec- 
ondly, show the design; thirdly, speak of the act of baptism, and 
fourthly, show the difference. 

1. On the eighth day from the birth, whatever day of the week 
that was, the Jews invariably performed the rite of circumcision. 
Three stools were set in the nonse, or someumes in the synagogues, 
one for the person who held the child; one for the operator or cutter 
off; and for Elias, who was supposed to be spiritually present as 
a zealous defender of the divine law. The attendance were gener- 
ally ten in number, some of which carried torches of twelves wicks 
to represent i he twelve tribes of Israel, and others a knife for the 
operation, a cup of red wine to act a styptic, a basin of sand into 
which to throw the foreskin, a basin of olive oil to anoint the part, 
and towel and water. When everything was ready, the female em- 
ployed by the mother, brought the child to the door of the apart- 
ment or synagogue, and gave it to the one appointed to hold it 
during the operation, who on entering was hailed by the company 
in the following words: 'Blessed belie who comes." When the 
operation was finished, the operator having washed, received a cup 
of wine consecrattd with the usual benediction, and added for the 
child the following prayer: 'O Lord our God, the God or our 
lathers strengthen this child, and preserve him to his parents. May 
his name be among the people of Israel. — Brown l s Antiquties. 

2- "And God said unto Abraham, thou shalt keep my covenant, 
therefore, thou, and thy seed alter thee, in their generations. This 
is my covenant, which ye shall keep between me and you, and 
thy seed after thee ; every manchild among you shall be circumcised. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 415 

And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall bo a 
token of the covenant betwixt me and you. 

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you 
«very manchild in your generations; he that i* born in the house or 
bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He 
that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, 
must needs be circumcised/ and my T covenat shall be in your flesh 
for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised manchild; 
whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut 
off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. 

And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in 
his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male 
among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh of 
their foreskin in the self same day, as God had said unto him." Gen, 
xvii. 

Hence, if we can understand two plain verses of the Bible in the 
above named chapter, i. e., 10, and 11, we may understand what the 
covenant of circumcision is. In these two verses w T e have the same 
thing mentioned four times in different words : first, God says, this 
is my covenant : secondly, he tells what it is, every manchild among 
you shall be circumcised: thirdly, God informs how this covenant is 
to be kept, ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin fourthly, God 
informs uswhat is thedesign or useofthiscovenant of circumcision. It 
shall be atoken of the covenant betwixt Him and Abraham. This cov- 
enant of circumcision, is not, nor cannot be the covenant of grace or 
promise.as some have boldly asserted. The first covenant, or covenant 
of grace or promise was repeatedly mentioned and confirmed by the 
promises of God to Abraham from twelve to fourteen y T ears before 
the second covenant or covenant of circumscision was once brought 
to his view. — Gen. xiii. 3. 

The covenant of grace is what God agrees, if we may so say, or 
covenants, or promises to do for Abraham, his posterity, and for the 
family of mankind, or that which God hath promised to do for the 
human family is the visible part of the covenant of grace, as it re- 
spects the good of man. 

The covenant of circumcision is what God required Abraham to 
agree to and to practice. 

By confounding these two covenants together, we should con- 
found ourselves, our readers and hearers, and might reduce to prac- 
tice some error having no foundation in the word of God, and He 
might well say unto us on a certain day : Who hath required this 
at your hands? Circumcision was a positive command of God and 
was by no means transmutable, or liable to change to something else. 
Had any person have tried it, it would have been tantamount to de- 
ferring of the rite, which would have been at the peril of being cut 
oil' from among the people. Circumcision was designed as a distin- 
guishing rite to the Jews, to separate them from all other nations, 
and give them a happy possession in the promised land. It was de- 
signed to bring them into actual obedience to the observance of all 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the Temple worship, and they became debtors to do the whole law,, 
moral, ceremonial aim judicial. It was designed as a prerequisite 

to come to the feast of the paschal lamb or passover. All the con- 
gregation of Israel shall Keep it. And when -a stranger shall 
sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his 
males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it ; and 
he shall be as one that is born in the land; for no uncireumcised 
person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is home-born., 
and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. (Ex. xii. 47-49.) 
Circumcision being designed as above, it continued in force, answer- 
ing in its place the purpose of God, until the accomplishment of the 
Jewish economy, when it ceased forever — standing all its appointed 
time, only now as a figure, pointing to the great and spiritual work 
of regeneration by grace in the soul of man, under the gospel dispen- 
sation, down to the end of time. "For by grace ye are saved through 
faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, Not of works, 
lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in 
Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that 
we should walk in them. Wherefore remember that ye being in 
time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by 
that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands ; 
that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the 
commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of prom- 
is j , having no hope and without God in the world." But now in 
Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the 
blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and 
hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, having 
abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments 
contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new 
.man, so making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God 
in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. And ye 
are complete in Him, which is the head of all principalities and 
powers; in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision 
made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh 
by the circumcision of Christ : and you being dead in your sins, and 
the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with 
Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, &c. (Eph. ii. 8-16 ; Col. ii. 
11- 13.) For he is not a Jew r which is one inwardly, and circumcis- 
ion is that of the heart— in the spirit, and not in the letter— whose 
praise is not of men but of God. [Rom. ii. 28, 2-4.] 

Thirdly. The church sitting in union, a person comes forward, 
gives a public declaration of a blessed work of grace in the soul, 
translating him from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of 
God's dear Son. The declaration being satisfactory, he is received 
by the right hand of fellowship,— a regular ordained preacher of the 
G3spel being pastor or supply of the church, on the responsibility of 
the Word of God and the church, goes with the person down into 
the water, and in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, im- 
merses him in and covers him over with water— raises him up and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 417 

cometh straightway out of the water. Thus it is that baptism is im- 
mersion, and nothing else, and immersion is baptism and nothing 
else. Let us not say in future, "baptism by immersion," for it is 
equal to saying "baptism by baptism," Or immersion by baptism, 
which would be superfluous ; and, in fact, it would be conceding 
the point to an opponent of our divine and very sacred ordinance. 
Baptism is the door in the Gospel church, regeneration is a prerequi- 
site to fellowship, and fellowship to baptism, which is an ordinance 
of the Gospel— acting in the church, and not out of it. This being 
the case, the preacher could not act alone in the reception of mem- 
bers; neither could the church without a preacher administer the 
ordinance of baptism. Therefore they act in unison, It would be 
passing strange for a preacher, in a Gospel land abounding with 
churches, alone to receive and baptize persons. 

Fourthly. Circumcision belonged to the law dispensation. 

Baptism belongs to the Gospel dispensation. Circumcision was 
first performed by Abraham. Baptism was first administered by 
John the Baptist. Circumcision acted indiscriminately upon all 
the Jewish males, whether saints or sinners. Baptism acts discrim- 
inately — selecting those and only those who are regenerated and 
born again, whether male or female. Circumcision was expressly 
limited to males. Females, although descended from the same pa- 
rents, were not subjects of the token of that covenant, but the bap- 
tismal institution includes both men and women. Circumcision 
might be lawfully administered by any. person— at least any head 
of a family, whether male or female, for it is only a babe. Baptism 
is to be administered by particular officers in the christian church, 
called of God, and qualified for the work. 

Circumcision certainly came in its own place, and acts inde- 
pendently for itself. Baptism came in its own place and also acts 
independently under the Gospel dispensation for itself. Hence it 
is that baptism did not come in the place of circumcision ; for the 
rite itself is so very unlike the Gospel institute that it appears ex- 
tremely unnatural to infer one from the other. Circumcision was 
a painful, bloody rite, cutting off the flesh. &c. But baptism is an 
immersion, or washing the whole body in water. 

Other dissimilarities might be urged, but these are thought suf- 
ficient to show that it is not the easiest thing in the world to infer 
baptism from circumcision, It certainly requires a large stock of 
mystical Jesuitical ingenuity to make an inference appear plausible, 
where the nature, act and design are so different. If baptism came 
in the room of circumcision, in the manner argued by some, what a 
pity it is the Apostle had not known it! How conciliatory it would 
have been to those who were tenacious of Mosaic rites for the Apos- 
tles to have told them — do not be uneasy, men and brethren, about 
circumcision, for baptism is in the room of it ; and moreover, as the 
keys of the kingdom of heaven are given to us, we have it in com- 
mission to tell you that female infants are now added to the old 
account. 

53 



418 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

The best argument that we have ever seen, either for infant 
baptism or infant sprinkling, is that the Catholic Church is infalli- 
ble, and has decreed that it shall be done. This is worth just what 
it is, and may answer with some minds to sustain a trembling cause, 
but christians had better imitate the example of Christ and His 
Apostles, "and go down into the water." 

If baptism came in the place of circumcision, it is rational to in- 
fer that it acts with the same force ; consequently, every parent 
[especially believing ones] should either baptize or sprinkle their 
children, their servants that are bought with their money, and all 
that are born in their houses— let there be rive, fifty, five hundred, 
or five thousand. Upon the same principles, to be consistent with 
themselves, they would be down-right papists, and baptize the sub- 
jects of a mighty Prince, because he embraced the faith. If this 
principle be a Gospel one, it will bear examination, and not be the 
worse from being practiced to perfection If it be absurd when 
practiced thoroughly, it is not the less so when practiced smally. 
The only difference is, the absurdity does not appear so glaring. 

As we do deny the right of baptism to babes from the Abrahamic 
covenant, we are charged with discarding the idea of infant salva- 
tion. This we deny. We conscientiously hope and believe that, as 
Jesus took babes into His arms and blessed them, that all that die 
in that situation, receive an application of His atoning merits, and 
are saved with an everlasting salvation. 

In conclusion, w T e say that the difference between circumcision 
and baptism is like unto that of debt and credit. The former in- 
volves men in a state of bankruptcy ; the latter is liberty. The an- 
swer of a good conscience, and the participant will hear the Master 
any, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." 

We have had a pleasant and favored session of the Association. 
We desire to thank God for the union, harmony and brotherly love 
with which the business of the body has been transacted. We now 
come to aclose. May God Almighty bless you. May He bless this, 
our epistle of love ; and may the Truth shine, God's name be glori- 
fied, and souls edified and established, is the prayer of yours in Gos- 
pel bonds. Bekryman Hicks. 
October 20th, 1834. 



Hill, Elder Wade was born in the county of Ruther- 
ford, N". C, on the 21st July, 1813. His parents were unable 
to give him the advantages of an early education, so that the 
high character he acquired as a preacher was due, under 
God, to his deep piety, sound sense, and unceasing efforts to 
educate himself in the work to which he was called. He 
was married in August, 183-1, to Miss Temperance Ledbetter, 
and in April, 1837, he was baptized into the fellowship of 
the church. Immediately after his baptism, he furnished the 
strongest evidences of a divine call to the ministry, and just 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 419 

one month from the clay of his baptism he preached his first 
sermon. He had otten been heard to say that lie never 
thought oi there being any necessity for Ins obtaining a li- 
cense from a church to preach, until alter he entered upon 
his work. He "conferred not with liesh and blood," but 
consulted only the Master of the vineyard, and at His bid- 
ding he went. In April 1839, Elder Hill was ordained, and 
from that time until now his name has been a household 
word amongst the Baptist of this entire section of the State. 
As a preacher, he had but few equals. He was always sound 
in doctrine, and his sermons were specially notieeable for 
their deep solemnity, and the earnestness with which they 
were delivered. The hearts of his hearers were moved by 
his tender and earnest persuasiveness, while their minds 
were enlightened bv his clear lo*nc. There are hundreds ot 
men and women throughout this country who can remember 
the greater part of many of his sermons; so impressive was 
his style. While he was a man of strong will, and of re- 
markable firmness, when he came to talk for his Master, it 
was with eyes overflowing, and with words of impassioned 
tenderness. 

As a preacher his loss will be greatly felt in the King's 
Mountain and Green River Associations. ^N"ot only was he 
a great preacher, but 'his heart was strongly enlisted in all 
the benevolent works of our Convention and Associations. 
As a man and citizen, he was upright in his conduct, and his 
religion was his guide. As a christian he possessed strong 
faith, and in fact, his entire life and teachings go to furnish 
conclusive proof of his true and genuine Christianity. As a 
husband and father, none can ever know his worth save the 
bereft widow and children, whose hearts are made desolate 
by his death. 

His work is done (and who can say that it is not well 
done?) and on the first day of December last (1878), Elder 
Wade Hill went to his reward. — Min. Green River Asso. 

Elder Wade Hill appeared first in the session of the 
Broad River Association at its session of 1839, at Green River 
church, being then a messenger from the Catawba River 
bod}-, where he preached very acceptably. He did not fully 
identify himself as a member of the Broad River Association 
until the year 1843. And at that session of the body he was 
appointed to preach the introductory sermon for 1844. He 
located himself within the bounds of the Broad River Assso- 
ciation about this time, and continued to be an active and 
distinguished member thereof until in 1873 he, with the Ca- 
pernaum church to which he belonged, joined the King's 
Mountain Association. In 1876, he moved to Rutherford, 



,420 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

his native county, and at once identified himself with the 
Green River Association. As above stated he died in 1878, 
and at the session of the King's Mountain body, in 1879, 
the following tribute of respect to his memory was adopted, 
and ordered to be published in the minutes of the session: 

"That in the great calamity that has befallen our denomination, 
in the death of Elder Wade Hill, we, as a denomination, sustain an 
exceedingly great loss. His noble-hearted spirit, firmness, express- 
ions of love, and clear manner of presenting the Gospel of Christ to 
his hearers made many warm friends for him, and gave him a 
name that will live among us for years to come, although he has 
gone to his reward. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from 
henceforth,' 7 "yea," saith the Spirit, "that they may rest from their 
labors, and their works do follow them." 

Notwithstanding all his faithful efforts and labors for the 
good of souls and his Master's cause, which so often weariep 
and fatigued his body and mind, he is now resting from his 
laborious task upon earth, and 0! how sweet is that rest! 
while his works of righteousness will continue to follow him. 
His earnest, clear, instructive and pathetical manner of pre- 
senting the gospel to his hearers was so convincing and per- 
suasive that it seldom failed to make an impression upon his 
hearers, that proved a blessing of food for christian souls and 
almost always carried an awakening influence to the 
minds of sinners. He always thought before speaking, and 
always drew his conclusions upon the authority of God's 
Word, and would always speak the truth in soberness, and 
never feared to declare the whole counsel of God. He ac- 
complished a great work in the Broad River, King's Moun- 
tain and Green River Associations, and had been a member 
of all these bodies, but was a member of the Green River at 
the time of his death. All these bodies no doubt feel the 
mighty afflicting hand of God in his death. He was such a 
strong arm for young ministers to. lean upon, and souch a 
fountain of counsel to 'the churches and other religious bod- 
ies, and yet we are compelled to do without him. He was a 
burning and shining light that is worthy of imitation by us 
all. His usefulness" in his influential work that is following 
him we hope will accomplish much among us for good al- 
though his body sleeps and his soul rests. He was a Corres- 
ponding Messenger to our body last year. We feel that we 
cannot speak of him as he justly deserves. 

Resolved, 1. That we deeply sympathize with the bereaved fam- 
ily, who have sustained the loss of such a husband and father. 

Resolved, 2. That we sympathize with our sister, the Green 
River Association, in the loss of such an excellent minister. 

Resolved, 3. That we pray God may, in the abundance of His 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 421 

jsrrodness and plenitude of His mercies, grant that these sad afflic- 
tions may work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
of glory. 

Personal Appearance. — Elder Hill was above the ordi- 
nary size of man, and was upward of six feet in height, of 
heavv build, inclining somewhat to corpulency; weight, up- 
wards of two hundred pounds, dark hair and eyes, promi- 
nent and rather bald forehead; of commanding and dignified 
aspect, so much so, that a stranger coming into his presence 
would intuitively feel that he was before a great and good 
man, and, therefore, feel restrained from committing any 
rash or imprudent act in his presence. His entire make up 
presented him as one of finest looking men to be seen any 
where. 

He was thought by some to be an extremist on the 
subject of temperance, as he would have nothing to do with 
-ardent spirits in any shape or form, and he was not only pas- 
sive, but very active in his opposition to the baneful effects 
of spirits, and availed himself of every convenient opportu- 
nity to strike a blow at the hideous monster, which often 
provoked the ire of the cohorts of the alcoholic prince so 
much that manv tried to throw dirt and filth at him, which 
only proved that he stood as a polished, marble shaft, im- 
pervious to such miserable stuff. 

He was equally zealous in the missionary cause, and 
having labored a good deal as an Evangelist himself, he saw 
more and more the wants of the people in regard to the 
spread of the Gospel. He urged the cause of missions upon 
the attention of the churches and of the Association, and 
sat a good example himself by liberally contributing to the 
work both of home and foreign missions. At the session of 
1846 the circular letter on Domestic Missions, which was 
adopted, was from his pen, and is thought worthy of repro- 
duction, which here follows in this work. 

[Elder Hill was several times honored by the body with 
Moderatorship, but always against his protest.] 

CIRCULAR LETTER, OX THE SUBJECT OF DOMESTIC MISSIOXS. 

The Broad River Baptist Association to the Churches in Union: 

Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the 
Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God. dearly beloved breth- 
ren, that His Divine Spirit has awakened into notice among you a 
subject that, in other sections of the country, has proved so fruitful 
in advancing the cause of our Redeemer's Kingdom; as that upon 
which, by resolution of last Association, we are directed to write 
you this letter of love ; i. e., the subject of Domestic Missions, 

In consideration of the design and high aim of those who ap- 
pointed our theme, we have proceeded to the investigation of the 



42 f J BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

premises, with all due diligence and carefulness of spirit, and now 
prayerfully submit to your christian and intelligent minds the con- 
clusions (with the reasons upon which those conclusions were found- 
ed) to which our researches after truth have brought us. In doing; 
this, permit us in advance to remind you that tiie true construction 
of the term mission, so far as it relates to the subject in. debate, is 
that it simply describes the trust reposed in persons sent to preach 
the Gospel of the Son of God; while the word domestic limits in 
its application the labors of persons thus sent to our own country 
exclusively. This plain view of the subject, which is certainly the 
true one, proves at once that all preaching of the Gospel by per- 
sons called of God and sent to preach, is in de^d and spirit mission- 
ary preaching; although in character it may not be so regarded by 
the prevailing opinions of the world. Assuming then that our posi- 
tion as thus entertained is correct, which we think we shall be able 
clearly to establish, the only remaining questions that need be in- 
quired into are, 1st : Whether or not good may be expected to result 
from the preaching of the Gospel of peace among our own people ; 
and 2nd, whether in connection with our local pastors a traveling 
ministry, appointed to supply destitute regions and to effect an in- 
terchange of gifts and graces, is not best adapted to accomplish the 
great object of the ministration of life to a lost and dying world of 
sinners. 

That good may be expected to result from the preaching of the 
Gospel, it is presumed no christian will pretend to deny; for the 
chiistian mind ever places too high an estimate upon the salvation 
of lost souls ; and upon that assurance given in our Holy Scriptures, 
Where it is declared that it pleased God, through the preaching of 
the Gospel, to save sinners, not to be ready to confess its unequaled 
advantages to society in general, and dying souls in particular ; yes, 
Verily, the glories of the upper world, arrayed in its radiance of 
loveliness, with the gloomy abodes of the lost, surrounded with all 
their horrors and gloom have, by the discoveries of Truth through 
this medium, made too strong impressions upon every believing 
heart not to implant therein a deep sense of its great worth to the 
children of men. It is needless, therefore, to trouble you further 
upon our first division, than to allude to it as occasion may require, 
in the prosecution of our labors. 

How this Gospel is to be preached to accomplish the greatest 
amount of good, comes next to be considered. Where shall we find 
directions to lead our minds to safe conclusions in this important in- 
vestigation ? Upon making this inquiry it seems to us that all 
minds, and all eyes, and all hearts ought at once to turn to and be 
guided by the great Illuminator of the world, the glorious Son of 
Righteousness, the Word of God. Yes, dear brethren, there is our 
sacred directory, our unerring index, that stands ever pointing out 
to us the way in which we should be found traveling. By this 
blessed and holy standard we ought daily to try ourselves, both in 
spirit and practice, regardless of the opinions of men, the interest of 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES., 423 

4ne world, or the traditions and errors of the Fathers. Thus believ- 
ing, we proceed to invite your minds "to the law and to the testi- 
mony"— it* you will allow the Word of God to be the law of Zion, 
■and the only safe rule of the christian -faith and practice. 

The first notice that our limits will enable us to advert to,. in 
this connection of our subject, is the practice of the Savior Himself, 
and the manner in which He called and sent His disciples to preach 
the Gospel to the Jews before His resurrection ; for in fact, this was 
strictly domestic missionary preaching, being confined entirely to 
the Jewish nation. Respecting the missionary labors of the Savior, 
we need say but little. All will agree that after He entered upon 
His important mission, He traveled all through the country, declar* 
ing His own everlasting Gospel, teaching and instructing the people 
to turn from their sins and unrighteousness. Believing that this 
fact will not be denied, we refer you to some of the leading features 
■of the appointment of and instructions given to the first ministers 
of the Gospel by Christ Himself, where He says in reference to the 
twelve disciples [Matt x. 5 :] "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and 
commanded them, saying : go not into the way of the Gentiles, and 
into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not ; but go rather to the 
lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying : 
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand [verse 9.] Provide neither gold, 
nor silver, nor brass in your purses ; nor scrip for your journey, 
neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves : for the workman is 
worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall 
enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till ye go thence. 
And when ye come into a house, salute it. And if the house be 
worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not re- 
ceive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or 
■city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily 1 say unto you, it shall 
be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day 
of judgment than for that city." 

The same relation is also recorded (Mark vi. 8, and Luke ix. 3,) 
when the Savior appointed other, seventy disciples. He sent them 
forth to preach, and with very much the same directions. (See 
Luke x. 1,) where He says, '-After these things the Lord appointed 
other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into 
every city and place whither He Himself would come. Therefore, 
said He unto them, the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are 
few T ; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send 
forth laborers into His harvest. Go your ways : behold, I send you 
forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor 
shoes, and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house 
ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house [verse 7,] and in the same 
house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give : for the 
laborer is worthy of his hire [verse 16.] He that heareth you, hear- 
eth Me ; and he that despiseth you, despiseth Me ; and he that de- 
spiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me. And the seventy returned 



m BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

again with joy, saying: "Lord, even- the devils are subject unto u& 
through Tby uame," We now proceed to lay before you the directions* 
given to the disciples and apostles, with their practice upon those 
instructions, after the resurrection of the Savior. [See Matt, xxviii. 
19.] "Go ye therefore,"' says He, "and teach all nations, baptizing 
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever 
I have commanded you : and lo, I am with you always,, even unto- 
the ends of the world, Mark xvi. 15. "Go ye into all fche world, and 
preach my Gospel to every creature: he that believeth and is bap- 
tized, shall be saved, but he that believeth not, shall be damned." 
Verse 20, And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord 
Working with them, and confirming the word. Acts v. 42, And 
daily in the temple, and in every house, tbe> ceased not to teach 
and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts VI. 4.) "But we will give ourselves- 
continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." (Acts viii. 
4.) "They that were scattered abroad, went everywhere preaching: 
the word." And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and 
preached Christ unto them. Verse 14. Now when the Apostles 
which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word 
of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, &c. Verse 40. But 
Philip was found at Azatus, and passing through, he preached in all 
the cities till he came to Cesarea. (Acts ix. 32.) And it came to pass- 
as Peter passed through all quarters, he came down also to the saints 
which dwelt at Lydda. (Acts xi. 20) and some of them were men of 
Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they were come to Antioch, spake 
unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the 
Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto 
the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the 
church which was at Jerusalem, and they sent forth Barnabas, that 
he should go as far as Antioch, who, when he came, and had seen 
the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with pur- 
pose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. (Acts xiih 2. ) ''As 
they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, sepa- 
i ate nie Barnabas and Saul for the.work whereunto I have called 
them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands 
on thtm, they sent thtm away." (Acts xv. 22.) "Then pleased it 
the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men 
of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: namely, 
Judas surnarned Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. 
Verse o2. And Judas and Silas being prophets also themselves, ex- 
horted the brethren with many words and confirmed them. Verse40. 
And Paul chose Silas and departed, being recommended by the 
brethren, &c," 

AYe have here, dear brethren, given a few Scriptural quotations; 
many others of like import might be given to guide your minds to 
safe conclusions, upon the subject in question. Herein is presented 
the Christian model, the Heavenly directory, the great Polar star, 
that is always calculated, when seen, to bring us safe to the haven 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 4:25 

of truth, although for a time clouds of prejudice and error may have 
concealed from view its leading advantages and glorious directions. 
And now we ask, are not the views, doctrines and practices therein 
taught and inculcated, missionary— both in deed and spirit? To 
convince you of this fact, it will be sufficient hereto notice a few 
leading truths contained in this descriptive illustration character- 
istic of missionary proceedings. First, you will observe that the 
practice of our clear Savior, when on earth, was to travel and preach, 
that be was seen thus instructing the people in theship, in the tem- 
ple, in the woods, in the people's houses, private and public, from 
city to city, and from house to house, and to preach His Gospel 
throughout the Jewish nation ; that they being thus instructed left 
all their worldly business— their ships, their nets, their homes, their 
wives and children— and were seen at times attending upon the 
ministry of their Lord and Master, that they might learn of Him, 
His doctrines and plan of life and salvation, so that they would be 
able to teach others to observe whatsoever He had told them. At 
other times prosecuting their journey, by His immediate appoint- 
ment, through the country, declaring this news of life and salvation 
from house to house, by night and by day, throughout the whole 
region round about Jerusalem. Secondly, that after the resurrection 
these same ministers, with their successors, were directed to go into 
all the w T orld and to preach the Gospel to every creature, to teach all 
nations, <fec. ; and that in obedience to this direction they went forth 
everywhere ; that daily in the temple and in every house they ceased 
not to preach Jesus Christ; that they gave themselves continually 
to prayer and the ministry of the Word ; passing through all quar- 
ters, preaching the Gospel, exhorting the people to turn from their 
sins, and confirming the brethren with many words. That under 
this operation the Lord blessed their labors abundantly, as you will 
see by reading the Acts of the Apostles, where thousands upon 
thousands of souls are represented as believing in Christ, and gladly 
accepting the reigning influence of the laws of life and salvation, in 
their dark and benighted minds. You will please notice again, that 
the disciples and brethren were careful in their church capacity to 
inquire and ascertain where the preaching of the Word was espe- 
cially needed; that they were frequently seen sending the ministers, 
chosen and chief men, such as had ability and fitness, especially to 
meet the pending emergency, to preach the Gospel, teach the people, 
confirm the brethren, dispel error, and establish the laws of the King 
of Zion in the hearts of the people ; and that in every instance God 
owned and blessed their labors by the immediate overshadowing of 
His mercy, and out-pouring of His grace and love among the people 
where they labored. 

With this light thus afforded through the medium of our Holy 
Scriptures, so forcibly calculated to bring your minds to rest upon 
truths thus clearly exhibited, we might here close our address, being 
persuaded of their superior claims to the notice of all men. Never- 
theless, we deem it expedient, in confirmation of what we have 
54 



426 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

above declared, to lay before you a few facts connected with the his- 
tory and practice of the church from the time of the Apostles up to 
the present moment. This we can not do in detail, as our limits are 
too much confined. 

Eusebius, one of the great writers of parts of the third and fourth 
centuries, in giving the history of the proceedings of the church up 
to this time, bears direct testimony to the blessedness of this sacred 
practice. In speaking of the success of the missionaries, in connec- 
tion with the pastors under the name of evangelists, says that under 
a celestial influence and this co-operation, the doctrine of the Savior 
■ — like the rays of the sun — quickly irradiated the whole world ; that 
presently the sound of these inspired evangelists and apostles had 
gone throughout all the earth ; that throughout every city and vil- 
lage, like a replenished barn floor, churches were rapidly formed, 
abounding and filled with members from every people ; and that in 
this the Scriptures were fulfilled that said, A "nation should be born 
in one day." The learned Dr. Mosheim, in his Ecclesiastical History, 
speaking of the favorable events connected with the procedure of the 
church in almost every century, leaves ample testimony of the great 
results of missionary labors — representing that by their names great 
numbers were brought to the light of the Gospel in almost every na- 
tion. 

We observe, in the next place, that when the Savior sent His 
ministers to preach the Gospel to a dying world of sinners, He did 
not leave them (nor any other person wishing to know the Truth) 
in the dark, as to how their temporal wants and needs were to be 
supplied ; for in the foregoing Scriptural quotations this subject is 
clearly set forth, for you will perceive there that in the very first 
dawning of the day of grace the Savior, in His practice and in His 
appointment, was careful upon this very point — so as to give infor- 
mation that while His ministers were performing their laborious 
duties with deep anxiety of soul, He, the King of Zion, .declared 
that thev had a right to their reasonable support among the breth- 
ren and people ; that they need not be careful about gold, nor silver, 
nor brass, nor scrip, nor clothes, nor provide themselves wherewith, 
for the laborer was worthy of his meat — was worthy of his hire — 
meaning, clearly, that their needs as to gold, silver. &c , should and 
ought to be supplied by the people ; and declaring at the same time 
most emphatically that whatever was done to them should be taken 
as done to Himself, and particularly noticing that it should be more 
tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, in the day of judgment, than for 
such as refused to receive the minister with his offers of mercy, and 
to obey the directions given in this sacred Law of His Divine King- 
dom. In support of this ordinance of the blessed Savior, the Holy 
Spirit instructed that eminent Apostle Paul to say to the church, 
that they that are taught in the Word, ought to communicate unto 
them that seeketh in all good things [see Gal. vi. 6 ;] as also in 1 Cor. 
9th chap., where he says : ''Have we not power to eat and drink ? 
Have we not power to lead about a wife or sister ? Who goeth a war- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 427 

fare at any time at his own ch; rges ? Who planteth a vineyard and 
eateth not of the fruit thereof; or who feedeth a flock and eatelh 
not of the milk of the flock ?" Say I these things as a man, orsnilh 
the law the same also, for it is written in the law of Moses, "Thou 
shalt not muzzle the month of the ox that treadeth out the corn." 

Doth God take care for oxen, or saith it altogether for oursakes? 
For our sakes, no doubt, that he that ploweth should plow in hope, 
and he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If 
we have sow T n unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing that we 
s all reap your carnal things ? Do you not know that they who 
minister about Holy things, live of the things of the temple, and 
they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar ? Even so 
hath the Lord ordained that they who id reach the Gospel, should 
live of the Gospel. 

May the Lord give you understanding in all things, and hearts 
to do His will, and prosper you most abundantly in the Spirit and 
love of the Gospel of peace for the good of souls, and the sake of our 
blessed and Divine Redeemer. Wade Hum. 

October 19th, 1845. 



Hilderbran, Elder Amos became a member of the 
King's Mountain Association in 1855. He was a member 
of St. John's church, which had formerly been a member of 
the Catawba River Association, hut joined the King's Moun- 
tain body in 1855. Elder Hilderbrand we think was a 
Burke county man, and ordained to the ministry before he 
identified himself with the King's Mountain body. The St. 
John's church, and Elder Hilderbran, returned to the Cataw- 
ba River Association in 1864. We know very little of his 
history. He was of German descent, and probably if living, 
is three-score and ten years of age. We are unable to say 
much in regard to his preaching qualifications. He was for 
many years pastor of the St. John's church, and frequently 
attended the sessions of the Association. 



Holcombe, Elder Hosea was a member of Union church, 
Lincoln county, N-. C„ as far back as 1815, and represented 
said church in the session of the Broad River Association of 
that year, and at subsequent sessions of the hody. We copy 
Dr. Cath cart's account of him from his Baptist Encyclope- 
dia, viz : 

"Rev. Hosea Holcombe, a native of North Carolina, was born 
about the year 1780. For some years a minister in upper South Car- 
olina, he settled in Jefferson county, Alabama, early in the history 
of the State. Was unquestionably a leader in projecting the plans 
of the early Baptists of the State, taking a bold and aggressive part 
in everything that looked to the elevation of the Baptist cause, or 
to the progress of Baptist principles. Organized nearly all the 



428 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

churches for many miles around where he lived, and established 
them on a sound basis, and traveled and preached over a large part 
of the State ; went to Associations far and near, and was universally 
regarded as able to guide them / was six years president of the State 
Convention; more than any other man in the State he withstood 
the anti-missionaries ; was in the strength of his ministerial influ- 
ence when the anti-missionaries were doing their work of mischief 
among Alabama Baptists. He was the man for the times and per- 
formed his work well. One of the founders of our State Convention, 
and a most earnest advocate for the establishment of good schools 
by the denomination or for ministerial education. He was an able 
minister of the New Testament, doctrinal and argumentative in 
preaching, clear and forcible in delivery, mighty in the Scriptures, 
a noble and impressive person, commanding respect and veneration 
everywhere ; though not so great a man, he holds a position in the 
history of Alabama Baptists not unlike that of Dr. Mercer among 
the brethren of Georgia. He wrote a number of controversial pam. 
phlets, compiled a hymn book, and a history of the Baptists in Ala- 
bama—a work of 375 pages — which brings its history down to the 
year 1840. He passed his ministry as pastor of anumberof churches, 
and as a missionary evangelist. He died in 1841, at his home, and 
was buried on his farm, near Jonesborough. Two of his sons became 
Baptist preachers." 

Any people might thank God for such a man. 



Huett, Elder James was a member of Friendship 
church, and in 18-fO made his appearance in the Broad River 
Association as a delegate, then, a licentiate. He was soon 
after ordained to the full work of the Gospel ministry, and 
was again a representative of Friendshipin 1841. He then be- 
came a member and pastor of Sulphur Springs church, and 
a delegate to the Asssociation from that church in 1842. He 
continued to bear the same relation until 1845, when we lose 
sight of him in the minutes. His preaching talents were not 
above mediocrity, but he was considered a good pious chris- 
tian minister fully persuaded in his mind that it was his 
duty to render all the services he possibly could in the Mas- 
ters cause. Either Huett, if now living has probably became 



an octogenarian. 



Holyfield, Elder Jacob was a delegate from Concord 
church, Rutherford county, N. C, to the session of the 
Broad River Association held at Sandy Run church in 1808. 
He afterwards became a member of Ebenezer church, and 
a delegate from said church in 1811. The Ebenezer church 
remained a member of the Broad River body many years 
afterwards; bat we lose sight of Elder Holyfield in the min- 
utes after 1811. He may have emigrated without the limits 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 429 

■■of the Association. We have no information as to the date 
•of his birth or death, or his qualifications as a minister. He 
leaves behind him some of his name, and doubtless his de- 
scendants, in the same region of country where lie, as one 
of the poineer ministers of the Broad River Association spent 
his ministerial career. Let his name be preserved, and still 
be had in remembrance. 



Hall, Elder Joshua was once a member of the Broad 
River Association. In 1820 he was a licensed preacher and 
lav delegate from Silver Creek church to the session of the 
Association of that year at Head of Tyger River. He again 
represented the same church in 1821. Then an ordained 
minister, and again in 1824 and 1826. The Silver Creek 
church was no more a member of the Broad River body 
after this session, but in 1828 his church became a constitu- 
ent member of the Catawba River Association; taking Eld. 
Hall with it. We are not informed as the date of his birth; 
he was of Burke county, N". C, and said to be a good preach- 
er for the time in which he had labored in the minist-rv. 



Hoyle, Elder Jacob Asbury was born in Burke coun- 
ty, N. C, on the 21st of March, 1850. His parents moved 
to Cleveland county and settled of the waters of Ward's 
Creek when he was two years of age. He was raised on a 
farm by very poor parents, though intelligent and respecta- 
ble, his father being a school teacher, His son could only 
attend school- in the winter time, and his studies were only 
-orthography, reading 1 , writing and arithmetic, but manifest- 
ing aptitude he progressed rapidly. At the age of nineteen, 
he married Miss Ellen J. Crowder of Cleveland, and settled 
on a small farm; his wife being not only affectionate but in- 
dustrious, they entered upon the toils of life, and cultivated 
the soil until December 1878, when they moved to Gaston 
county, where he now lives, near Cherryville on the Caroli- 
na Central railroad. 

Elder Hoyle was converted under the preaching of Eld. 
A. C. Irvin, in August 1880, and baptized into the fellow- 
ship of Mt. Zion church at the close of a protracted meeting. 
He was licensed to preach in March 1881. And in October, 
1881, he moved his membership with an arm of Mt. Zion 
church to aid in the construction of Shady Grove, which 
church called him to take the pastoral care of it. He was 
ordained to the full work of the ministry, June 16th, 1882, 
by Elders T. Dixon, A. L. Stough and G. M. Webb. He 
preaches at a school house on the Lincoln and Gastor line as 
a missionary of the King Mountain Association, and has just 



■U»» KIOGKAPHrCAJL SKETCHES'; 

received a- call from Providence church in Catawba county., 
which lie accepts as pastor. 

He is a promising young minister of great zeal and en- 
ergy, using ali the means within his power to improve a. 
detective education, and store his mind with Biblical lore, so* 
as to enable him to preach the gospel acceptably, and stop the 
mouths of gainsay ers and otherwise render good and faithful 
service in the vineyard of the Master. We wish him mucb 
success. 



Irvin, Arram 0. was born February 3d, 1848; was con- 
verted in early life, and commenced exercising his gift in 
public in the year 1871. In the year 1875 he received a call 
from Providence church, Spartanburg county, S. C, and 
was ordained the same year [on July 4th] at Zion church, ot 
which church he was a member, the presbytery consisting of 
Elders G. W. Kollins, Wade Hill, T. Dixon, J. M. Bridges, 
K. Boston, M. Pannell, G. M. Webb and A. A. McSwain. 

Since the ordination of Elder Irvin he has been actively 
engaged in his pastoral duties, attending several churches 
and preaching the Word very acceptably and with much 
faithfulness and zeal to all. Like many other Baptist min- 
isters, Bro. Irvin has to lament his lack of scholastic attain- 
ments, but feeling that a dispensation of the Gospel is com- 
mitted to him from which he is not at liberty to shrink, he- 
has availed himself of all the religious helps within his reach 
to tit and qualify him to stand before a gain-saying world as 
a mouth-piece for God, and call on sinners to repent ; and 
in thus preparing himself, through the providence of the 
Master, he has been enabled to become a useful and popular 
minister, supplying several churches with much acceptance 
.to them and credit to himself, his labors being greatly blest. 

Elder Irvin became a member of the King's Mountain 
Association first in 1872, since-which time we iind he has 
annually attended each session as a delegate from the Zion 
church. At the session of 1878, at Boiling Springs, he 
preached the introductory sermon before the Association 
with much credit to himself, from Micah iv. 2. Being in 
the vigor of manhood, we anticipate much useful labor in 
the vineyard of the Lord from Bro. Irvin. 

He now lives with a second wife, having first married 
Miss Harriet A. Weathers, and after her decease he married 
Miss Mariah J. Cornwell, with whom he lives very happily 
at the present time. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 43l 

Jackson, Elder Nathaniel appears in the Minutes of 
tfhe Broad River Association as far back as 1807, as an or- 
dained minister and delegate to the Association from Head 
of Tyger River church, Spartanburg county, g. C, and he 
continued to represent said church until after the session of 
1819, when we lose sight of him in the Minutes. He prob- 
ably moved out of the bounds of the Broad River, as the 
Head of Tyger River church still remained a member of the 
Broad River Association, and was represented by other par- 
ties. He was doubtless an old superanuated preacher in 
1819, and very probably went to his reward not long after. 
"We are without information as to the date of his advent into 
the world, and also as to his ministerial qualifications. We 
have no doubt b-ut that he was worthy of a far better tribute 
of respect than this, but there has been so little attention 
given to the history of the pioneers, within the bounds of the 
Broad River Association up to the present time, and the 
greater part of the old people being now dead, and but very 
tittle recorded, we therefore find it impossible to get much 
information from the present generation, and consequently 
our sketches are shamefully meagre and uninteresting. Let 
the name, however, of Elder Jackson be handed down to 
succeeding generations as one of the Lord's ministering ser- 
vants, who probably spent a great portion of his life in call- 
ing on sinners to repent, and accept the offered terms of the 
Oospel of Christ , 



Jones, Elder John J. was born in Rutherford county 
[now Cleveland), 1ST. C, February 23rd, 1824. Converted 
and baptized in 1850. Ordained to the gospel ministry in 
August 1853. Elder Jones was chosen pastor of Mt. Paran 
church in 1855, and was by that church elected a delegate to 
the Asiociation the same year. He continued to occupy 
that relationship until the Tempearance Seism took place 
in 1860; when Elder L. McSwain was chosen pastor of that 
church, and they withdrew from the Association immediately 
after its session that year. Elder Jones sympathized with the 
temperance movement,and was permitted to participate "in the 
councils of the "Regular" body that session, butaftewards afili- 
ated with what was called the "Constitutional" body, until 
the reconciliation took place in 1866, when harmony was 
restored in the Convention held at Zoar church. In all this 
unpleasant movement Bro. Jones manifested a Christian 
spirit towards all, and was anxious that the breach in fellow- 
ship should be healed at the earliest possible moment, he 
said and did all he could to effect a reconciliation which af- 



u- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES'. 

ter wards was accomplished. Elder Jone had an impediment 
in his speech chat prevents his usefulness as a preacher, but 
is always to be found at his post of duty in teaching a knowl- 
edge of sacred music (which is very desirable in the house 
ot God), or conducting the prayer-meeting or Suuday-schooi 
work in the churches. 

lie married Miss Mary Ham rick in 1841 with whom, 
he lives hapily. 



A nsTiCE, Elder Thomas Butler is a native of Buncombe 
county (now Henderson,) N. 0. Born July 27th, 1813. lie 
proteased conversion in May, 1835, and was baptized in Au- 
gust following. Was licensed to preach the 1st of August.. 
1840, and was ordained to the full work of the ministry on 
June 3d, 1842. He is a nephew of the pioneer minister,, 
Thomas Justice, of the Broad River Association, who took 
part in its organization. 

Elder Justice married Miss Harriet Bailey 7 of Hender- 
son county, X. C, who proved to be an affectionate and 
agreeable help meet to him while engaged in the toils of life.. 
They have reared a family of sons and daughters. One of 
his sons (Elder C. B. Justice) is an able and popular minis- 
ter of the Green River Association; and another, Michael 
H. Justice, is a practicing attorney at Rutherford ton, and a 
Baptist. 

Elder T. B. Justice, we believe; was first a member of 
the Union Association, and by reason of some eonilicting: 
doctrinal views in reference to the nature of the atonement 
of Christ, the correspondence between the Green River and 
Union was disturbed for a time — -until an explanatory and 
reconciliatory conference could be assembled. Eider M. O. 
Barnett, in his history of the Broad River Association, ex- 
plains the matter in this way : 

"Iti the constitution of the Union Association, which embraced 
a great part ot' Henderson county, N. C, there was a repudiating 
clause of the doctrine of election, and on that account the Green 
River Association refused correspondence with that body, and held 
charges against them for heterodoxy. It was finally agreed to by 
the two Associations— Green River and Union — that the whole mat- 
ter should be left to a committee of six, chosen from Tyger River 
and Broad River Associations; consequently Elders Richard Fur- 
man, J. G. Landrum, W. Hill, D. Scruggs, M. C. Barnett. and Bro. 
William Walker met at Hendersonville, N. C, as a committee to 
take into consideration, and if possible, adjust the existing difficulty. 
The substance of the charges brought by the Green River Associa- 
tion against the Union Association, was that of Free-willism. This 
charge the^ supported by that clause in their constitution which 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 433 

said: "We repudiate the doctrine of election." The committee to 
whom the matter was referred, decided that, before the Union Asso- 
ciation could consistently come into correspondence with the regular 
Baptist Association, they must strike out that repudiating- clause 
from their constitution. This the Union Association, by their rep- 
resentatives, heartily consented to do, and the whole matter was set- 
tled." 

Elder Justice became a member of the Green River 
body, and remained with it until 1855 ; when the Ruther- 
fordton church, of which he was a member, joined the 
Broad River body, and Elder Justice thereby became iden- 
tified with that Association, until the session of 1870, when 
he with the. Rutherfordton church, again identified them- 
selves with the Green River body, of which he is now a 
member. 

AVe have known Elder Justice as a minister and bus- 
iness man for a number of years. As a preacher he ranks 
among the ablest and most eloquent; his sermons are at all 
times characterized by much affection and pathos, while few 
excel him as an expositor of the doctrines of the Gospel. 
He has labored for man}' years under a nervous affection, 
which greatly affects his voice, until he gets warmed up with . 
the subject matter of his text, when his articulation is much 
improved, and he acquits himself very satisfactorily to his 
audience. 

His present residence is in Polk county, IS". C, near the 
famous Mills' Spring. Bro. Justice has reached the allotted 
period of three-score and ten, yet we hope he has many 
years of usefulness yet to serve the Master. 



Kindrick, Elder John G., late of Pacolet church, 
Union county, South Carolina, was born in 1804. Made 
his first appearance in the Broad River Association at 
its session at Providence church in 1844 as a delegate from 
the Pacolet church, since which time, he has attended the 
annual sessions regularly up to the time of his death, which 
took place in 1872, at the house of a friend while on a 
preaching tour. In noticing the life and character of this 
good man, w T e feel that we could not do better than to re- 
produce the sketch given of him in the Minutes of the Broad 
River Association, at its session in 1872, which is as follows: 
"This faithful soldier of the cross died on the 6th of June last, 
after a few days' illness, from apoplexy, in the 69th year of his life. 
He had been a member of the Baptist denomination for about 33 
years, during all of which time he was actively engaged in the work 
of the ministry. Bro. Kindrick was brought up by a pious mother, 
who was a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was 
55 



4"4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

for many years a zealous member. Several of his children were 
sprinkled as members of that church ; but in mature manhood he 
began a careful examination of the Scriptures, and found that he 
was in error on many of the regulations of the Gospel. With a 
great struggle he determined to submit to the ordinance of immer- 
sion and become a member of the Baptist church. He, with his 
wife, was immersed, and united with the Pacolet church, in Union 
county. He had exercised his gift while a Presbyterian, and was 
soon after his baptism ordained as pastor of Pacolet church, in which 
charge he remained until his death. This church, under his care, 
grew from a smali number w to become one of the largest churches in 
the Broad River Association." 

During bis ministry he supplied, at different times, 
Upper Fair Forest, New Bethel, Calvary, Beaver Creek and 
other churches in the adjoining counties of York and Ches- . 
ter. He supplied several mission stations, and traveled in 
company with Elder Wade Hill and others as a missionary 
in the bounds of the Broad River Association. 

His education was limited, but having much native 
power of thought, blest with a logical mind and Presbyterian 
training, he became an able and fearless defender of the faith, 
once delivered to the saints. While his preaching was always 
plain and Scriptural, he yet had a fluent and forcible form of 
speech. This, combined with his tine personal appearance 
and great earnestness, made him attractive and powerful in 
the pulpit. Elder Kind rick, like many other strong men, 
had at times some eccentricities of character. Many have 
heard, with feelings mingled with humor and seriousness, 
his sermons on the number of the beast, his description of 
Satan and other things. 

At the meeting of this Association, at Providence 
church, a few years ago, he closed the services on Sunday 
afternoon with an earnest exhortation, in which he worked 
in his description of Satan! And in speaking of the power 
of Satan to deceive the people, he remarked that "the Devil 
would feed them on soft corn, and choke them to death on 
the cobs." He had the facility of changing suddenly from 
these currents of humor to the most solid and serious dis- 
course. 

In his social intercourse with men, his conduct was seas- 
oned with prudence, pleasure and profit. He was a model 
husband and parent, and universally esteemed by all who 
knew him. However much this body may feel the loss of 
this good man, that feeling cannot measure the loss sustained 
by his churches and the community, in his death. 

He preached his last sermon at Upper Fair Forest 
church on the Sunday before his death. On leaving home 
on Sabbath morning his wife, feeling indisposed, at first de- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 435 

clinecl going' with him. He insisted on her accompanying 
him, saying, she did not know what might happen to him. 
After such earnest persuasion she agreed to g>. After 
preaching on Sunday lie went and spent the night with Mi*. 
Thomas Kelly. On rising to leave the table on Monday 
morning, he began to stagger, and, on being supported by 
his wife and others, he said, ''Lay inedown and let me die." 
These were among his last words; he lingered in a helpless 
and almost unconscious state until Thursday following, 
when he fell asleep in Jesus. The funeral discourse was 
preached at Pacolet church by Eider M. C. Barnett, to a 
large congregation. His body lies in the grave-yard of 
Pacolet church. 

Let the ministers and brethren of the Broad River As- 
sociation study his character, follow his example and cherish 
his memory, as they behold his spiritual children, abiding 
steadfast in the Savior and Gospel which he preached ; and 
all of us be found like him — at our post — when the Captain 
of our salvation shall come to relieve us from our earthly 
warfare. 

Personal Appearance. — Elder Kindrick was tall and 
straight, somewhat raw-boned ; had a massive head, thickly 
covered with dark hair, eyeshlue, countenance rather stern 
or serious, voice stentorian, articulation good, gestures very 
forcible, natural and dignified, and possessed fascinating 
power sufficient to hold his congregations as if spell bound 
for an hour or two without seeming to become restless. He 
was an original thinker, and relied altogether on his own 
and Biblical resources, and had certainly become an attract- 
ive and popular preacher in the bounds of the Broad River 
Association. He was considered rather an expert in the 
administration of the ordinance of baptism; having become a 
convert from Pedo-baptism, he probably gave that matter 
more attention than the average Baptist preacher. Elder 
Barnett, the associational historian, in speaking of him, 
says : 

"1 have thought he performed the ordinance of baptism with 
as much dignity and solemnity as any man that ever came under 
my observation. Imagine yourself at the Skull Shoals, on Pacolet 
river, near the church, on the 2d Sunday in September. Both banks 
of the river are lined with hundreds of people (the public roads 
crossing here. ) You see others coming on both sides ; two or three 
canoes are loaded with persons crossing the river, some going one 
way and some the other ; at the same time the river is being forded 
by twenty at the time, in carriages, in buggies, and on horseback ; 
'the people commence singing on the opposite bank from the church, 
and everything begins to get still. Bro. Kindrick has about twenty 
to baptize this morning. After prayer he leads one down into the 



4°,6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

water, and with ODe hand lifted up he says: "In obedience to the 
command of God, and after the example of Jesus Christ, I baptize 
thee," &c. As they come up out of the water he makes some apt 
quotation from Scripture— such as, "We are buried with Him in 
baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him from the dead ;" and 
then another in like manner, until his work is done. But I guess 
you will not leave immediately until you witness something more of 
the stir and bustle of the crowd, in starting back to the church : the 
river is thronged with persons crossing — some on the shoal, and 
some higher up, where the water is deeper, but the bottom smoother ; 
the canoes are doing their part, and in a half hour they are all gone. 
Such is the scene that I have witnessed at that romantic place." 

And will any one, with the New Testament in their 
hands, presume to say that such a "scene" is not fully in ac- 
cord with apostolic usages and practices? and still insist that 
such a course would be indecorous, and in conflict with the 
advanced progress of the present age ? 



King, Elder William appeared first in the Broad River 
Association about 1807, from Head of Enoree church. We are 
not informed as to the time of his birth or death. We find 
from the minutes of the Association that he was a min- 
ister of considerable prominence and ability in the time 
he lived. In 1808, he prepared a circular letter under 
the appointment of the body, on The Union and 
Utility of an Association. Which, out of respect for 
his memory, we reproduce with this sketch. In 1811, he 
preached the introductory sermon before the Association, 
and in the session of 1814 he was chosen clerk, which shows 
that he was considered a good business man. In 1818 he 
was again appointed to write the circular letter, On a Baptist 
Church receiving members into fellowship, who were baptized by 
immersion in Methodist societies. 

The writer took the ground "that as certain priests an- 
ciently failed to show their genealogy among the lawful 
priests, and were rejected; in like manner should all admin- 
trators of the ordinance of baptism be rejected, who faiVto 
show their own baptism according to the gospel, by a min- 
ister who has himself been baptized in a regular line from 
the Apostles down to the present day." 

From 1811, Elder King represented Double Spring 
church, which was probably a new organization, and after 
the session of 1820, we lose sight of him entirely. Doubtless 
he either died and went to his reward, or emigrated to some 
other part of the Lord's vineyard. Like many other pioneer 
ministers, he has not had that attention paid him that his 
eminent services justly demanded, and consequently at this 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 437 

late day it is impracticable for any writer to do him justice. 
Let his name, however, be handed down to succeeding gen- 
erations as one that was worthy of imperishable fame for his 
work's sake, 

CIRCULAR LETTER, 

The Broad Elver Baptist Association — To the Churches they Rcpre* 

sent — send Christian Salutation : 

Beloved Brethren : — The subjects on which we have to ad- 
-dress you this year, are the Union and Utility of an Association, 

In treating on these delightful subjects, we shall consider first, 
of the union of an Association, — that is the same with the union of 
all saints ; secondly, how the union of an Association as a body, 
joined by mutual consent, should be maintained ; third, of the util- 
ity of an Association. 

First. Of the union of an Association — the same as the union of 
all saints. This holy union is derived from God, and takes place 
first between Him and all His children, in their being united to 
Christ and becoming one with Him / they are also united or joined 
together in this glorious mysterious union and become one in Him, 
The love of God is shed abroad in their hearts, and Divine Truth in 
its glorious harmony, beauty and excellence is revealed to them, and 
they receive it in the love thereof; and as the Gospel contains all 
things necessary to be believed and to be done, the union of the 
saints with one another consists in their agreement in the Truth, 
both as to faith and practice ; and except the faith and practice of 
professing christians is compatible with the Word of God, there can 
not be a union between them. And this shows that God lias wrought 
a supernatural change in His people, w T hereby they are brought to 
love God in His infinite perfections ; to love His word, and to love 
His people, because they bear the image of Jesus Christ. And this 
heavenly union- is never to have an end, but will be increased, in 
heaven beyond all our comprehension. Under these considerations 
the union of saints may well be considered a pearl of price unkuown. 

Secondly. How the uuion of an Association, as a body joined by 
mutual consent, should be maintained. 

In taking a view of this part of the subject, an Association may 
be considered as a larger church, of more extensive bounds. A Gos- 
pel church consists of a number of members joined in union by mu- 
tual consent, and each member is under indispensable obligations 
not to do or say anything contrary to the Gospel, whereby the minds 
of the rest may be grieved, but is bound by the law of Truth and 
love to do all things according to the Gospel. When this is the case, 
a church is in a happy union. An Association consists of a number 
of churches coalesced by mutual consent (it should seem) for the 
good of the whole, then each church is uuder weighty obligations 
not to do or propagate anything contrary to the Gospel, wherebv 
the mind of any other church or of the Association may be grieved, 
but it is bound by the glorious law of Christ to do nil things accord- 
ing to the Gospei, and so to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the 
bonds of perfectness. 



i is BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

This is the way for cl lurches that compose an Association to rive' 
in union. Again, when an Association meets together, their union; 
(while iu conference) is linn, if they do all things according to the 
Word of God, and are governed by love. Under these considera- 
tions, every selfish motive should be laid aside ; ambition and vain 
glory ought never to be seen in such a council, but all the rules of 
brotherly love should be attended to with meekness and humility. 

Thirdly. Of the utility or usefulness of an Association, 

A body of wise and b )ly men in such a happy union, and gov- 
erned by truth, can not fail in being useful. The wise man says r 
In the multitude of counsel there is safety," (which tends to useful- 
ness.) In an Association there is a multitude of counsel, which 
tends to usefulness ; therefore an Association is useful. In such a 
collection of lights, like bright constellations, the light will shine 
more clear, and of course discover the hidden works of darkness- 
more plainly, and deep things will be understood with greater ease. 
It is here a godly minister will be encouraged, while the reverse 
will be discountenanced ; it is here difficult queries may be proposed 
and answered ; it is here counterfeit tenets and practices may be de- 
tected and put down ; it is here an aggrieved church may obtain 
redress, when all other means fail ; it is here a member, not justly 
dealt by, may make known his case and rind redress. In an associ- 
ate capacity, churches and ministers may meet and take sweet coun- 
sel, cultivate christian friendship, and be of mutual advantage to 
each other while in a troublesome world. We shall conclude the 
discussion of these interesting subjects with a few words of exhort- 
ation : 

Dear Brethren, let it be well remembered that we must not only 
anticipate, but participate of this glorious and happy union on earth y 
or we never shall enjoy it in heaven Let us endeavor to realize it 
every day that we live. Further, let us labor much to be useful in 
Works of justice, mercy and love. The grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ be with you all. Amen. William King. 

October l.'tb, 1808. 

Kirkindol, Elder J. was the pastor of Buck Creek 
church iu 1842,-'43-'44-'45, and being a member of said 
church was chosen one ol her delegates to represent her in 
the Association the same years. We are unable to learn 
much of the history of Elder Kirkindol, and as his sojourn 
within the bounds of the Broad River Association appears 
from the minutes to have been only a few years, we incline 
to the opinion that he emigrated to some other field of labor. 
He was, however, once a Broad River minister. 



Kirby, Elder Bolin Tollison appears first as a member 
and delegate from Bethesda church, at the sessiono f the 
Association of 1824, having been licensed to preach a short 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 430 

time previously. In 1827, lie was again a delegate from 
said church, and in 1831, was ordained to the full work of 
the gospel ministry, and chosen pastor of the Long Creek 
■church. In the session of the Association held that year at 
Buck Creek church, he, and Elder James Lewis, were the 
delegates from Long Creek. He continued his connection 
with the Long Creek church, as pastor and representative, 
until 1835. About this time, very damaging reports were 
put in circulation detrimental to the virtuous and moral 
character of Elder Kirby, alleged by some to have grown 
out of an unfortunate matrimonial alliance, that he had made. 
He became intemperate and erratic in his deportment, where- 
by he lost the confidence of many of his brethren. He was, 
however, called to labor for a year or two, after this, with a 
very feeble church in the extreme eastern part of the Asso- 
ciation, which appearing unprofitable to all the parties con- 
cerned, that was abandoned: and gradually B. T. Kirby 
once a minister of great promise, sank down in the mire and 
filth of intemperance and became a scoffing infideh "Let 
him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." Elder 
B. T. Kirby was .a native of Spartanburg county, S. C. 
Date of his birth unknown. Said to be very respectably 
connected. 



Lakdrum, Elder John Gill was a member of the Broad 
River Association, first, in the session at Buck Creek church 
in 1831. Preached the Associational sermon under an ap- 
pointment," the next year at Sandy Run. '"The righteous 
shall flourish like the Palm Tree, he shall grow like a Cedar 
in Lebanon." (Psalms xcii. 12.) He, with Dr. J. W, Lewis, 
represented the Mount Zion church in 183-3, at Long Creek, 
when said church was dismissed from the Broad River to 
aid in the formation of the Tyger River Association. With 
that body he became identified in its organization in 1833, 
and continued to be a worthy and prominent member until 
it was disbanded in 1876, by the organization of the Spar- 
tanburg Association. With which body he acted up to the 
time of his death, which took place January 19th, 1882. 

Elder Landrum, was a good man, and popular preacher; 
very attractive in his manners and gestures, had a fine flow 
ot language, and seemed never to be at a loss in the selection 
<»f the best words to put his ideas or thoughts in good dress, 
In conversation, he excelled nearly all others, his colloquial 
talents being of the, first and finest order, he by general con- 
sent took the lead, and was always admired by his listeners. 
He had a warm sympathetic heart, and was liberal in his 
views, and although a strict Baptist,yet he was very respectful 



440 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHED. 

toward those who differed with him in sentiment. Which? 
liberal feeling, we think was properly reciprocated toward 
him generally by his religious opponents. He often preach- 
ed in pedo-baptist pulpits, while his discourses were well 
received by all. 

We extract from the minutes of the Spartanburg Asso- 
ciation — session of 1882, the following proceedings: 

"Dr, Dean from Committee on Memorial Exercises,, 
read his report. 

Bro. H. P. Griffith said: 
"This is the second time within the last fifty years when the 
form of Landrum was not seen among us. We have abundant reason 
to thank God that John Landrum ever lived. He was great in his. 
piety, his nobleness, purity, and his humility, and was equal to any 
emergency. He was an uncompromising Baptist, without a parti- 
cle of bigotry. He was fifty-three years in the pulpit, died without 
a blot on his character, and has left his impress on many an enter- 
prise that is to flourish still." 

Bro. Manly, who only knew Bro. Landrum in the last 
years of his life, said he desired to bear an humble part in 
these exercises, and asked that Bro. T. J. Earle should say 
something. Bro. Earle said : 

"I recall the fact that Bro. Landrum has done a great work in 
building up the churches in Greenville as well as Spartanburg coun- 
ty. I was his son in the ministry. In his private relations he was 
one of the best men I ever knew. His most effectual preaching was 
perhaps with families, aud he was always faithful in performing his 
obligations to his churches." 

Bro. R. H. Griffith spoke as the representative of the 
Baptists of the whole State, and in their behalf he desired to 
place a wreath upon the grave of Bro. Landrum. lie is still 
living in the hearts and memories of those, and for those for 
whom he lived and labored. It is our business now to take 
up the work where he left it and carry it on to greater suc- 
cess. 

Bro. Landrum Ezell said (Dr. Manly in the chair) : 
"The main characteristics of Bro. Landrum was to preach the 
Gospel and educate the people. When we shall have educated the 
children of our country, then we have opened the avenue of chris- 
tian success, and accomplished one of the grand purposes of Bro. 
Landrum's life." 

Dr. Whitfield wished it might have been his privilege to know 
Bro. Landrum personally. Rejoices that he knows him through 
the churches lie built up and the work he has done. It is an un- 
speakable blessing of God that He has given us such a man. 

Bro. Richard Woodruff said : 
"I may be allowed to say more than others. Bro. Landrum 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 441 

baptized me ; he ordained me ; he married me. He rests now from 
his labors, and his works are following him. He has laid down the 
implements of his warfare and is now singing praises around the 
throne on high." 

The Memorial Report, as read by Dr. Dean, was adopt- 
ed unanimously, and is as follows : 

Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in His All-wise Prov- 
idence, to remove from our midst and his field of earthly labor our 
dearly beloved brother, Rev. J. G. Landrum, and take him to that 
heavenly rest which he had spent his life to the various flocks com- 
mitted to his care ; and whereas, his death takes from us one of the 
old landmarks of the last generation, and leaves a breach in our 
hearts that time and grace from on high alone can heal. Therefore, 

Resolved, 1. That in the death of Rev. J. G. Landrum, the 
Spartanburg Baptist Association has lost its most gifted and povyei- 
ful minister, the most devoted pastor and wise counselor. 

Resolved, 2, That we feel his loss in our Association, in our 
churches, and at our firesides ; and while our hearts bleed and our 
heads are bowed down in grief, knowing that we shall see his face 
no more on earth, we will not murmur at this Divine dispensation, 
but submitting ourselves to God's gracious providence, exclaim, Thy 
will be done. 

Resolved, 3. That in the life and labors of this good man the 
cause of Christ in this county and State has been greatly strength- 
ened, and the influence of his earnest and devoted work in the cause 
of Christ will be felt in years to come. 

Resolved, 4. That this Association raise a memorial fund, to be 
known as the Landrum Memorial Chair, to beappliedto educational 
purposes, as this Association may deem most expedient. 
Respectfully submitted. 

G. R. Dean, 

W. T. WlEKINS, 

J. M. Brian, 

Committee. 
Elder John G. Landrum more than any other man will 
be missed by the churches and Associations where he so 
faithfully labored for the last half a century. His labors 
were not "few and far between :" he baptized more persons, 
solemnized the rites of matrimony between a greater num- 
ber of parties, and preached more funeral sermons (to say 
nothing of his pastoral labors) than any minister that ever 
operated in the section of country where he lived and died. 
YVe hope, however, that his mantle may have providentially 
fallen upon some worthy young men, who may properly be 
called his sons in the Gospel, and tho good work so well be- 
gun and carried on by him while living, may yet be contin- 
ued and fully consummated by his successors, now that he 
is dead and srone to his reward. That our readers mav be 
56 



442 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

enabled to know more of the history and virtues of this no- 
ble christian minister, we avail ourselfof the privilege of 
reproducing the sketch of his life and labors, fay H. P. Grif- 
fith, as published in the Baptist Courier, which is here sub- 
joined, with the expectation that it will be carefully perused 
by his many friends. , 

The subject of this sketch was about five feet ten inches 
in height: in later years inclining somewhat to corpulency ; 
would weigh something over two hundred pounds ; had a 
massive head, covered in early life with dark hair ; eyes 
deep blue, prominent brows, and forehead of much dignity, 
with a countenance very pleasant and handsome. 

SKETCH OF ELDER JOHN G. LANDEUM, BY H. P. GRIFFITH. 

Rev. John G. Landrum was the son of Rev. Merimon Landrum, 
who emigrated from Union District [as it was then called,] S. C, to 
Williamson county, Middle Tennessee, in the year 1806, where the 
subject of this sketch was born, on the 22d of October, 1810. The 
precise place of his birth is about thirty miles south of Nashville. 
His mother's maiden name was Delilah Jackson, a pious, consecra- 
ted woman, who early impressed lessons of religion and moral obli- 
gation upon her son, which no doubt did more towards moulding 
his character and shaping the course of his life than all the other 
lessons of his youth. The parents were not wealthy, but in easy 
pecuniary circumstances. They belonged to what might be called 
the middle class of society. The father was a Baptist preacher of 
respectable preaching ability, and was a man of considerable per- 
sonal influence, both as a minister and as a citizen. The country 
which he had chosen for his home and for the field of his labors, 
was then a frontier country, with a sparse population, and full of all 
the inconveniences and drawbacks that were usually found by the 
early settlers of the West. Lands had to be cleared, houses built, 
roads opened, and all the machinery of newly-organized neighbor- 
hoods looked after and put in running order, while many of the 
common necessities of civilized life were not to be had except at 
great cost of time and money. But the good man and his wife had 
entered the western forest with brave hearts, and they were not be 
discouraged or intimidated by the inconveniences to which they 
were sometimes subjected, or the hardships which they sometimes 
endured. The husband worked on the farm during the week, and 
preached as he could collect on Sunday, while the wife did all of her 
household work, and made the new home musical with the buzz of 
the spinning wheel and the clash of the loom. Later, when her 
children had arrived at proper age for instruction, she would gather 
the little household around her on Sunday while her husband was 
away, and impress upon them such lessons as she could draw from 
the open Bible and from the unfathomable depths of a mother's 
love. Her son often alluded to these lessons in afterlife as being the 
very ground-work upon which his character rested ; and to the end 
of his days he always cherished the profoundest love and venera- 
tion for his mother. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 443 

John was her second child, her oldest being a daughter, Eliza- 
beth by name, who is still living, at the age of seventy-seven, having 
made Texas her home for many years past. He worked on the farm 
up to the time of his father's death, with few or no opportunities of 
going to school. He has told us that he frequently worked hard all 
day on the farm and then spun three cuts at night for his mother. 
Many of our lady readers will comprehend the precise meaning of 
this task more readily without an explanation than with one. 

About the year 1815, Mr. and Mrs. Landrum paid a visit to their 
friends in South Carolina, aud little John, then five or six years old, 
actually rode behind his mother on horseback through the whole 
journey of over 500 miles. Ten years after this visit the husband 
and father died very suddenly and unexpectedly in the midst of act- 
ive labors. This blow fell heavily upon the devoted family, but the 
noble wife did not sink under it. She rose in power and resources 
as difficulties and troubles gathered around her, and the next we 
hear of her son, he is under the instruction of a private teacher em- 
ployed by Gov. Ca*inon, and she is nobly paying his expenses by 
working with her own hands for the Governor's household. His 
progress in his studies under this teacher is said to have been aston- 
ishingly rapid, so much so as to excite the envy of his fellow-students, 
and to attract the attention of the community. About this time he 
formed the acquaintance of James K. Polk, then a young lawyer in 
Nashville, and the acquaintance seems to have ripened into some- 
thing like intimacy, for we hear of Polk spending a night with him 
at his mother's house, and of their occupying the same bed together. 
He seems to have cherished an ambition at this time to become a 
politician, and no doubt his intercourse with the ambitious young 
lawyer but added fuel to the flame. One would like to stand awhile 
just outside the room door of that old farm house, fifty-six years ago, 
and hear the young lawyer and the farmer boy talk about their 
plans and hopes for future life. The one no doubt already had his 
heart set on popular honors and his ear entranced with the "whis- 
tling of a name ;" the other was feeling in his heart the first bound- 
ing impulses of youthful ambition — the first purposeless stragglings 
of a spirit half conscious of inherent greatness — and he was medita- 
ting, revolving, speculating, dreaming, and ever and anon perhaps 
gazing with something like superstitious awe out upon the wide 
gulf that lay between him and ambition's glittering goal. The paths 
of the two bedfellows soon widely diverged. One passed through 
Legislatures and Senates up to the chief magistracy of a great repub- 
lic ; the other through humiliation and self-denial to his stand on 
the watch-tower of Zion, from which for fifty-three years he pro- 
claimed the glad tidings of salvation to a dying world. As a further 
evidence that John G. Landrum at one time meditated becoming a 
statesman, it is related that he was always fond of popular assem- 
blies, and when his father would send him to Nashville on business, 
he would visit the State House and listen with deep interest to the 
debates going on there. Upon one occasion he became so absorbed 

t 



444 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

that he remained till adjournment, and was so late reaching home 
that his father became uneasy and went out to meeet him on the road. 
He frankly owned up to the cause of his delay, and instead of a rep- 
rimand, received caresses from his father. On one occasion, while 
in Nashville, he saw Andrew Jackson, and David Crockett ; at an- 
other time he saw LaFayette and Jackson riding together through 
the streets. All these sight3 and associations were well calculated 
to excite in a boy of ardent temperament the liveliest aspirations for 
political distinction. But such aspirations were soon lost in what 
he considered a stronger and more imperative call to a higher sphere 
of duty. The death of his father made a profound impression upon 
him, and led him to think seriously of his obligation to God, and 
the danger to which his own soul was exposed. In a letter written 
several years ago he said : 

"I was brought to feel deeply my lost condition as a sinner at the 
time of my father's sudden and unexpected death ; and in a few 
months I was, I trust, enabled to believe with all my heart on the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and was upon a public profession of that faith 
baptized b^ Elder William Moody, and united with the Baptist 
church at Mount Pleasant, of which my father was the pastor at the 
time of his death. I had, soon after my conversion, impressions to 
preach the Gospel, but if I did not resist them I certainly strove to 
postpone any attempt to speak for God publicly, or to communicate 
my feelings to my most intimate or confidential friends." 

When about seventeen years old, and while under the influence 
of the feelings as mentioned above, it was decided that he should 
pay a short visit to his relatives in South Carolina. So he bade adieu 
to his mother and sisters, expecting to return in a short time ; but 
the old farm house was never to claim him as one of its inmates 
again, and the family circle was henceforth to have one missing link 
forever. 

As his mother may be mentioned no more in the progress of this 
sketch, we will state here that she died only about ten years ago, at 
the advanced age of ninety. She lived to see the little seeds she 
had sown in faith and consecrated with prayer and tears, spring up 
and bear fruit more than a hundred fold. Her grateful son visited 
her occasionally as time and opportunity would permit, and never 
forgot as long as he lived to send her every year some pledge of filial 
affection, some token of grateful remembrance. It was not long 
that she had had the control of her boy. But in the short period of 
a few fleeting years, like the mother of Moses, she prepared him to 
be a leader in Israel. She laid the foundations of a character that 
could not be shaken by all the tempests of life ; no, nor by all the 
powers of darkness. Think of her, ye mothers, whose patience is 
worn, whose spirits are weary, whose lives are a daily scene of toil, 
by reason of the little crying ones that cling to your skirts ! Think 
of her, ye fathers, that doat on your boys, and exert yourselves to 
give them all the advantages of liberal culture, while your girls are 
left to grow up like the wild flowers of the fields and forests ! And 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 445 

;y\8 law-makers that annually vote away thousands of the people's 
money to sustain and build up male schools and colleges, without 
'ever saying' one word about the education of our daughters,— think 
what one noble, cultivated, consecrated woman is capable of doing 
for the country, for humanity, for God ! 

When John Gk Landrum appeared in Union county, S. C, on 
the visit just mentioned, he was seventeen or eighteen years old, 
pale and slender, and from accounts, anything but prepossessing in 
-manners or appearance. 

We had a conversation about a year ago with a gentleman who 
lives in the Padgett's Creek community, in Union county, who 
said: "I remember distinctly the first time I ever saw John Lan- 
•drum. It was at a militia muster, and he was beating a drum, with 
& crowd of boys around him. He was a stranger to me, and upon 
inquiry I was told it was young Landrum, from Tennessee. I was 
very unfavorably impressed with his appearance and demeanor, and 
was astonished to hear soon afterwards that he was trying to get rid 
of impressions to preach, and that it was for that purpose mainly 
that he had left Tennessee." 

Whether what this gentleman heard had any foundation or not, 
I am not able to say. The visit was always mentioned by himself 
as a visit to his relatives. In a letter already quoted from, we find 
in his own hand this sentence : "I decided after great conflict of 
mind and prayerful anxiety to allow the leadings of my long pent- 
up impressions to preach the Gospel of our blessed Savior to lost 
sinners." 

Though in this statement he speaks of the conflict of mind as 
being great, yet there is nothing in it that would imply that it was 
so great that it drove him aw T ay from his home in Tennessee ; neither 
has he left on record anything that would lead us to such a conclu- 
sion. Still there are some things connected with that visit to South 
Carolina which we would like to have more fully explained. It is 
certainly not to be wondered at that a boy seventeen years old should 
under ordinary circumstances pay a visit to relatives in another 
tState. But that a boy, devoted to his mother and to a family de- 
pendent in a great measure upon him for a support, should undertake 
a journey of five hundred miles on horseback, through a wild, 
broken, and sparsely settled country, solely for the sake of visiting 
relatives that he had never seen but once — and that when he was 
too young to form much of an attachment to them — seems just a lit- 
tle improbable. We naturally look for some stronger motive than a 
desire to see distant relatives, whose faces must have almost faded 
from his memory, to prompt such a boy to perform such a journey 
under such circumstances. And when the report spreads abroad 
immediately on his arrival in South Carolina, that he is, like Jonah, 
running from a call to preach, we are more than half inclined to 
give it credence,— because we can see no other reason for his appear- 
ance in this State that exactly satisfies us. But if it was true that 
he was trying to play the role of Jonah, like his prototype he found 



U6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

that God could follow him and could speak to him in tones just a- 
imperative in South Carolina as in Tennessee ; even though he took, 
the wings of the morning and flew to the uttermost parts of the- 
earth, there was no escape from His presence. 

Before he had been in Union many weeks, it wasdeeided that he 
should remain a year, and attend the school of John Bostick, an ed- 
ucated Elglishman, who was teaching in the neighborhood.. 

Brother Laudrum pronounced this man "a capital English- 
teacher," and added, "with him I completed what was then con- 
sidered a good English education." He lived during this year, 
which was 1829, in the house of his uncle, Rev. Thomas Ray, who 
was a pious,. consecrated Baptist Preacher, and who took turn to his- 
bosom with more than paternal affection. Thomas Ray was then 
an old man, and had been a preacher from his youth. He was a 
man of moderate preaching ability, but of fervent piety and unspotted, 
character. His heart was full to overflowing with love to God and 
man, and being possessed of charming manners and a most genial 
nature, literally dispensed joy and -sunshine wherever he^went. He 
was very fond of jokes and anecdotes, and, while he studiously 
avoided them in the pulpit, he would enliven the social circle for 
hours at a time with the rich fund of humorous stories that he al- 
ways had on hand. Especially was he fond of telling ancedotes up- 
on himself, generally of his blunders and failures as a preacher. 
Whatever circumstance or adventure that showed himself to a dis- 
advantage or made him appear ridiculous, he would tell with great 
zest and enjoy with huge delight. Rev. M. C. Barnett, in his history 
of the. Broad River Association, tells the following anecdote, which 
he says Ray used totell on himself; 

"At some place where he was a stranger, he was invited to preach r 
and he said he made a very bungling discourse. However, when he 
came out of the stand, some brother came to him and insisted that 
he should visit them again. 'Ah, said brother Ray, you need'nt in- 
sist on that, for I intend to come baek. lean beat thatpreach and J 
intend to do it V 

'Oh,' said the brother, 'you -have the best voice that I ever heard. 
I think you might have been heard a half mile.' 'Yes,' said brother 
Ray 7 'I used to think it was the thunder that killed the trees, but I 
have since learned that it is the lightening.' 

The same writer adds : 'I have thought that he was the most 
delightful companion I ever saw.' 

He was a tall, portly, dignified looking man, with something of 
the kingly air, and he inspired one at first sight with feelings of re- 
spect and veneration. If he was not an able man in the pulpit, he 
had the good sense to know it, and to know moreover, wherein his 
great power lay. His blamelsss life, his love for Christ, his social 
influence, his fireside talks, were all so many sources of power upon 
which he drew largely and constantly. 

He was a sound business man, and accumulated considerable 
property, and cared very little whether his churches paid him for 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 447 

[preaching or not. He traveled altogether on horseback, and never 
•mounted a horse that was not worthy of a knight. When he had 
supplied the Bethel church, in Spartanburg county, twenty miles 
.from home, for a year, and when at the end of the year he received 
twelve dollars from the brethren for his year's work, he laughed and 
said, 'well brethren, that will buy me a new saddle.' He lived to 
be eighty-three years old and died suddenly. He was well and 
hearty at supper, and before midnight a corpse." 

We have made this seeming digression, because w T e think he 
was the man more than all others that encouraged and strenghed 
•John G. Landrum, at a time when he needed all the aid that human 
sympathy and christian affection could bestow. God made Lan- 
drum a preacher through the instrumentality of his mother and 
Thomas Ray. I think too,as we proceed with this sketch, we shall find 
that the latter impressed upon him some principles and sentiments 
that clung to him through life — gave some of the finishing strokes 
to a character that stood the tests of fifty-three years and elicited 
nothing but the warmest love and admiration. 

While attending the school of John Bostick, in the year 1829, 
Landrum w r as licensed to preach by the Baptist church at Padgett's 
-creek ; he w r as then in the 19th year of his age, was pale and thin, 
and, to human oyes, seemed destined to an early grave. Mr. Wesley 
Hollis, who lives near Padgett's creek, told us about a year ago that 
he remembered Landrum's first sermon. He spoke of it as being 
powerful and unexpected— almost like a clap of thunder from a 
cloudless sky, and as making the profoundest impression on the 
■church and congregation. The effort was repeated again and again, 
and during the year he made several vi.sits with his Uncle Ray to 
other churches more or less distant, and he began to be known and 
talked about over a considerable scope of country. During all this 
time he was applying himself assiduously to his studies in school, 
and men predicted that his fraii bodily powers would soon sink 
under severe mental application, coupled with the extraordinary 
zeal he was accustomed to display in the pulpit. But how little do 
men know! The spirit was rooting itself in a congenial soil, and 
ere long the hues of health began to tinge the pallid cheeks, the 
narrow chest began to expand, and men wondered again when they 
saw the frail, slender boy, in spite of his course of life and their pre- 
dictions, developing rapidly into a man of portly frame and robust' 
health. 

The usual form of the pulpit then was only a square, deep box, 
mounted on an elevated rostrum ; and there is a lingering tradition 
about Woodruff that Phili p Pilgrim, an old member of the Bethel 
-church, upon one occasion had to procure a block of wood for Lan- 
drum to stand on, so that he might be able to look his congregation 
in the face. We mentioned this story to Bro. Landrum several years 
ago, and asked him if there was any foundation for it. He replied, 
*'I think not; I have no recollection of any such things having 



#8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

been done. I know that I was exceedingly thin and slender, but X 
think I was about as tall as I am now, and up to the ordinary stand- 
ard of height." Father Ray, as he was called, on his superb horse- 
continued his monthly visits to the Bethel church for a good many 
years. Whether the brethren there ever got to thinking it their 
duty to do more than keep him in saddles or not, we are not able to- 
tell. We know, however, that the descendants of those old brethren/ 
are as noble and liberal a band of christians as the country affords,, 
and we mean no disrespect to the memory of their ancestors and 
ours when we make such allusions to the history of the past. The 
old pastor had told his fiock at Bethel that he was' going to bring up 
with him from Union a "little boy-preacher," who would astonish 
them ; and expectation and curiosity were running high whenLan- 
drum, in company with his uncle, made his first appearance at that 
church. There are those living that well remember both the visit 
and the sermon, and they give unanimous testimony to the fact that 
expectation, high as it was, was more than fully met. It was on the 
return home from this church, upon one occasion, that a little inci- 
dent occurred which showed how deep and genuine was the interest 
felt by the old father in his young protege, As they jogged along the 
level, sandy road leading from Woodruff to Cross Anchor, the old 
man, usually so cheerful and jovial, was stern and silent. In vain* 
did young Landrum attempt to draw him out, by remarks upon the 
country through which they were passing, the weather, the resi- 
dences on the road-side, and any number of common-place topics. 
If answers came at all they came in monosyllables,, and in such a 
tone as to quell the spirit of conversation. The result was, that ere 
long they both lapsed into profound and sullen silence, and rode 
along some distance side by side without either's uttering a word. 
At last Landrum exclaimed, "Uncle Ray, I can't stand this any 
longer! What have I done to-day that has displeased you ?" The 
old man then affectionately and tenderly reminded him of some lit- 
tle things either in his sermon or in his conversation with the 
brethren which he regarded as improprieties in one so young ; then 
the cloud passed away from his brow, and the rest of the journey 
homewards was beguiled with lively and pleasant conversation. 

Willi the close of the year 1829 and John Bostick's school, Lan- 
drurirs school days were at an end. The year had been to him one 
of severe application. He had not only applied himself faithfully 
and diligently to his text-books, but he had read the Scriptures ex- 
tensively, and had eagerly devoured the contents of whatever other 
good books had fallen in his way, besides devoting much time to 
the preparation of sermons. He was now a correct speller, a good 
arithmetician and grammarian, which was the extent of what was 
considered a "good English education." It was a good foundation 
which he widened and deepened in after years, and upon which he 
reared the structure of life -long usefulness. After leaving school he 
was employed by a Mr. Boyce, of Union county, to teach his chil- 
dren, which must have been in the year 1330, but whether he still 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 449 

• 

lived in the house of his uncle or with his employer, we have not 
been able to learn. It is stated that Mr. Boy ce had two sons that 
were wild and ungovernable, and tears were entertained that the 
young teacher would prove unequal to the task of controlling them. 
But the boys soon learned to love and obey him, and he performed 
his duties as instructor to the complete satisfaction of all concerned. 
He was still a diligent student himself, devoting most of his spare 
moments to reading and study, afid advanced more rapidly than any 
of his pupils. 

On January loth, 1831, he was ordained by the Padgett's Creek 
church. Rev. Thomas Ray and Rev. Daniel Mangum officiating, 
and, as he himself expressed it, "clothed with ail the functions of 
au ordained minister of the Gospel." He further adds : "When I 
received this solemn commission I was but littie over twenty years 
of age." The energies of the young preacher now began rapidly to 
unfold themselves, and his character was formed — that character 
which, through more than fifty years of change and trial, ever main- 
tained its strict identity. 

About this time Rev. Thomas Bonner, a good man and excel- 
lent preacher, who had long been the pastor of Mount Zion and 
Bethlehem churches, in Spartanburg county, fell dead while in the 
act of starting to church on Sunday morning. By his death the 
churches named were left without a pastor, and Dr. John W. Lewis, 
an eminent physician, and at the time a member of the Legis- 
lature from Spartanburg, was placed at the head of a committee to 
look out for some man to take the place of the lamented Bonner. 
By some means the committee found their way down to Bethel, 
about twenty miles south of Mount Zion, and at the same time Lan- 
drum accompanied his uncle to the same place about the same dis- 
tance north of Padgett's Creek. 

Whether this meeting of the committee with Landrum at Bethel 
was the result of previous concert or one of those things which we, 
for the want of a better name, call accidental, we know not. W r e 
only know that Lewis and his committee met Landrum at Bethel, 
the half-way point between them, heard him preach, and invited 
him up to take a survey of the held. He accepted their invitation, 
and the result was he was called to supply Mount Zion and Bethle- 
hem churches, during the same month perhaps in which he was or- 
dained. He accepted these calls and lived with Dr. Lewis several 
years, we think we have been told, without charge. Dr. Lewis him- 
self soon afterwards became a preacher. Bro. Landrum, in his 
sketch of the Tyger. River Association, pays him the following tri- 
bute : 

"Dr. John W.Lewis resigned hisseat in the Legislature of South 
Carolina in the year 1832, for the Gospel's sake. He had for several 
years been a member of Mount Zion church, with moTe or less im- 
pressions to preach the Gospel. The great revival of religion pre- 
vailing at that time aroused him to action. He was licensed in 1832 
and ordained to preach the Gospel the following year. He was one 
57 



450 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of the most active in bringing about the organization of the Tyger 
River Association, and for some years was clerk of that body. He 
was an educated man, of extensive reading and influence, and was 
an able, successful and popular preacher. * * * * * * He pos- 
sessed much of the goods of this world, and was greatly prospered 
in his efforts to accumulate ; and those who knew him best will 
always take pleasure in according to him much benevolence and 
liberality of spirit." 

We must be allowed the privilege of saying a good deal about 
Bro. Landrum's friends, for a" man is known by the company he 
keeps," and his life and life-work were so interwoven with the lives 
and works of others, that it is impossible to separate them. "No 
man liveth to himself, and no man clieth to himself." Though he 
may tower far above the multitude in intellectual and moral power, 
yet in all the ordinary affairs that make up the sum of every 
man's life, others must act a part— must give direction and coloring 
to streams that mingle in the tide of his own destiny. 

Bro. Landrum's life-work had now begun in earnest. He opened 
a school at Mount Zion, into which he gathered the boys and girls 
of the neighborhood, and it was not long before his reputation as a 
teacher had extended beyond his immediate locality, and pupils 
came from other communities to avail themselves of the benefits of his 
instructions. He had frequent prayer-meetings with his pupils, read 
the Bible daily in his school, preached to large congregations on Satur- 
days and Sundays, and frequently during the week, and all the 
time added to his own store of information by extensive reading, 
and enlarged his own intellectual capacities by intense application 
to study. Many of his pupils afterwards reached eminent positions 
in life. Some of them who are still alive and in distant States, 
have since his death paid graceful and becoming tributes to his 
memory, in letters filled with sweet and grateful recollections of the 
long ago. -'The righteous shall be held in everlasting remem- 
brance." 

There were at this time comparatively but few churches in the 
upper counties of South Carolina, and they were situated so remote 
from one another that it was no unusual thing to find whole neigh- 
borhoods that rarely, if ever, heard the Gospel preached. The 
churches that did exist were in many cases extremely weak, and 
were supplied to a great extent with preaching which, to sa\ the 
least of it, was not adapted to the strengthening of the faith, nor to 
the promulgation even of sound Baptist doctrines. Under this state 
of things the light of the churches flickered faintly and feebly amid 
the surrounding darkness, and the struggles of the noble few were 
less for growth and progress than for very existence The pros- 
pect was indeed well calculated to discourage a less ardent christian 
than John G. Landrum. But with a firm trust in a risen Redeemer 
he "laid aside every weight," and, "putting on the whole armor 
of God," bent every energy of his soul to the great work, and a 
great day of grace was at hand. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 451 

In August, 1831, the Saluda Association convened with the 
Brushy Creek church, eight miles from Greenville C. H., and during 
the meeting there begun a revival of religion which, for extent and 
duration, has hardly a parallel in the history of revivals. Several 
circumstances connected with the beginning of this revival are 
worthy of notice. One was ihe death of Rev. Lewis Hector., which 
took place a short time before its commencement. Lewis Rector 
was a man far ahead ©f the age in which he lived. It is said that 
he had the hill-sides on his farm ditched thirty years before hill-side 
ditching became generally known and practiced in this part of the 
country. He was also a man of powerful intellect and unquestioned 
piety. He had preached to the section of country lying along the 
Southern base of the Blue Ridge, and extending as far south as the 
counties of Laurens, Newberry and Union, with all the powers of 
his great mind and with all the fervor of his warm, devoted heart, 
ever since about the year 1800/ but to those who judged by the im- 
mediate fruits, his preaching had seemed almost in vain. Yet the 
good old man, strong still in the faith, looked ahead into the unex- 
plored future, and just before he died, cried out as if suddenly filled 
the spirit of prophecy : "A great revival of religion is near at hand. 
I have labored and prayed for it, but I shall not live to see it." As 
Moses from the top of Pisgah looked over upon the sweet fields of 
Canaan, so from the last mount of earthly affliction Lewis Rector 
caught a sight of the coming harvest. 

Another circumstance connected with the beginning of this 
revival was a strange phenomenon in nature. The rays of the sun 
were dimmed by a dark spot on his disc, visible to the natural eye, 
and men who were not alarmed felt humbled as under the finger of 
God, as they saw the pale, sombre hue that rested on the whole face 
of creation. The ministers, too, eager to lay hold of every means 
adapted to the awakening and humbling of sinners, made happy 
and forcible allusions to the surrounding scene. Several preachers 
were there from Georgia, who had recently been in a great revival 
at home, and all things being seemingly ready, the great work be- 
gan. Landrum was there, a young man and, a stranger. But he 
was appointed to preach, and he preached with a power that aston- 
ished his hearers, and caused the most hardened sinners to tremble. 
The meeting closed on the fourth day, but the revival extended to 
other parts of the country, and continued with little or no abate- 
ment for three years. During this time men and women rode on 
horseback fifteen, twenty, and frequently as far as twenty-five miles, 
to hear the Gospel preached ; the preachers went from house to 
house, preached from stands in the woods, and often where these 
rude accommodations were wanting, stood under the spreading oak 
by the roadside, and "reasoned of righteousness, temperance and 
judgment to come." 

It is difficult now to state the precise results of this revival. 
Within an area of twenty miles square, thirteen new churches were 
fornied, while the old ones were filled to overflowing. It is safe to 

t 



452 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

estimate that during the whole period there were added to these 
churches between two or three thousand souls. Nor was the great 
work confined to the ignorant and excitable ; the best material in 
thecouutry was gathered into the folds of the church, and a new 
era dawned in the history of the Baptists of upper Carolina. 

We get several glimpses of John G. Laodrum during the year 
1831, which revealed the fact that, young as he was, he was a promi- 
nent actor in the great scenes around him. The Broad River Asso- 
ciation met that year with Buck Creek church, and the historian of 
that Association, Rev. M. C. Barnett, has made the following record: 
' 'The name of John G. Landrum now appears for the first time 
as a member of this Association. He was at this time quite a young 
iijen, but possessing such gifts and qualifications as a minister that 
t he Association was proud of him almost to excess. He was appoint- 
ed (perhaps imprudently) to preach on the Sabbath, in the place of 
old and experienced ministers, which did not so well comport with 
the Scriptural instruction in reference to the younger heing subject 
to the elder. However, he did not, as I have been told, disappoint 
the anxious anticipations of his brethren. He always possesses the 
power of making great efforts. Some men fail when there is the 
greatest anxiety for their best performance. This is said by Alex- 
ander Campbell to have been a^veakness of Andrew Broaddus, of 
Virginia, that most distinguished ministers of the gospel. Lan- 
drum never disappointed the expectations of his friends on extraor- 
dinary occasions. I heard him preach at an Association, not 
fourteen years ago, on the holiness of God: His thoughts were 
sublime, and when he supported his position 03' a quotation from 
Isaiah 1 svision, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of host; the whole earth 
is full of His glory," his voice echoed over the hills as musical as the 
sound of a dulcimer sweet; while it fell upon the ears of listening 
thousands in most overpowering eloquence, making it another one 
of his efforts that met the anticipations of his brethren. He has 
now been in the ministry between forty and fifty years. Of course 
his sermons are more profound, doctrinal and methodical than they 
were in his younger days, but whether they are more interesting to 
the common listener or not is doubtful." 

The above paragraph was written in 1871, just forty years from 
that Association at Buck Creek.' It further added : "Dr. John W. 
Lewis was a co-delegate with Landrum at this meeting." We who 
often listened to Landrum's full sounding voice and felt the power 
of the stately movements of his sermons before large audiences, 
knew just how he said "holy, holy," &c, at Buck Creek, fifty-years 
ago. And though scholars and theologians may smile at the thought, 
yet the remembrance of those tones awaken strange and strong 
echoes in our hearts even at this distant day. There is a power m 
simple words which dry scholarship can never wield, and which 
mere intellect can never attain. David Garrick said he would give 
a thousand pounds to be able to say "Oh !" like Whitefield said it ; 
and the Elder Booth turned the hilarity of a gay dinner party into 
weeping by a repetition of the simple words of the Lord's prayer. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 453 

In the same year (1831) Landruni and others began to preach in 
* he town of Spartanburg. Spartanburg now numbers nearly five 
thousand inhabitants and boasts itscomplenient of churches, schools 
and colleges ; but it is believed that at that time out of a population 
of probably a thousand or fifteen hundred there was but one professor 
of religion. There certainly was but one Baptist, and chat one a 
lady of upwards of seventy .years of age. But the influence of the 
revival started at Brushy Creek soon began to be felt, not definitely 
-ar first, but vaguely and mysteriously. The manifestations were 
allied to those of presentiment — that unaccountable feeling which 
sometimes weighs heavily upou the heart, and which men say her- 
alds the approach of mighty events. Au observer would have been 
struck at first with the air of restlessness worn by those he met ; he 
would have seen then that restlessness settle into a deep, thoughtful 
solemnity which pervaded the entire community, and he would 
have sought in vain for the cause in any outward circumstance or 
condition. It was the troubling of the waters of the pool of Bethesda 
by the angel of God. When Landruni first began to visit the town, 
lie preached from the judge's stand in the court house ; afterwards 
he stood under the branches of a great oak near by, and preached to 
large congregations so uncomfortably situated that nothing but the 
intense interest of the occasions could have held them together. So 
thrilling were the scenes, that transpired here, that the spot became 
enshrined into the hearts of the j>eople, and some were known to 
shed tears when they visited it, many years after the scenes by which 
it was hallow T ed had passed away. 

Samuel Gibson and Thomas Bay, of the Baptist, and Michael 
Dickson, of the Presbyterian, and Charles Smith, of the Methodist 
church, all took a part in the meetings under the oak, and their 
labors laid the foundations of the present Baptist, Methodist and 
Presbyterian churches in Spartanburg. But to Landruni more than 
to any one else does the Spartanburg Baptist church owe its origin. 
Several of the citizens were baptized during the meetings mentioned ; 
then several of the members of the Mount Zion church, seven miles 
■distant, were persuaded to unite with them ; and with this little 
band, which seemed like a forlorn hope sent out into a land of dan- 
ger, a church was organized and put in working order. For years 
the struggle was a hard one. Satan's emissaries were busy at work 
in every part of the town, and wealth, position and influence gave 
them countenance and encouragement Still the little church held 
together, and still Landruni met with it once a month and preached 
as only Landruni could preach. Actuated, as he was at this time, 
by every motive that could animate a christian's heart, his spirit 
rose with the buoyancy T of youth and hope over'the surrounding dif- 
ficulties, and he boldly assailed the very doors of Satan's strongest 
holds. Then the little stbne cut out of the mountains withouthacds 
began to roll. Some who had been loud in denunciations, and who 
had indulged in many a coarse jest at the expense of the preacher 
and his little flock, and many others who had stood aloof in mere 



4o4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

indifference, now came forward and listened attentively to the words- 
of life ; others still, who came out of curiosity to hear the preacher's- 
eloquence, found themselves forgetting alike the preacher and his 
eloquence, in the all-absorbing theme of salvation. Additions were- 
made to the church from time to time, and ere long these additions 
included persons from the highest circles of society, among whom, 
were numbered men eminent in the professions of medicine, law 
and literature. Then it was determined to build a house of worship, 
and the present beautiful church edifice arose at a cost of about ten 
thousand dollars, every dollar of which was paid, it may be said, by 
the time the last sound of the hammer had died away on the moun- 
tain air. 

In the meantime Spartanburg had grown to a town of consider- 
able proportions, and other denominations had entered the field in 
force. WofTbrd College was established within its limits, with an 
able faculty, under the auspices of the Methodist denomination, and 
Landrum saw that the surrounding circumstances called for increased 
vigilance and renewed efforts. He was again equal to the occasion, 
and maintained the soundness and purity of the Baptist faith with 
the same earnestness and convincing power with which he had at 
first stirred the depths of wickedness and shaken the foundations 
of unbelief. He was now in the prime and vigor of manhood, and 
his mind had reached the full maturity of its pow T ers. The fail body 
which had been thought destined to an early grave, as if it had been 
thrilled by the glowing fires of the mind or animated by the bound- 
ing impulses of the heart, had expanded into 'noble proportions, and 
was capable of sustaining almost any amount of mental or physical 
toil. And rarely were powers of endurance subjected to severer 
trial, for the demand for services were such as would have completely 
overwhelmed any man of ordinary capacity and endurance. He 
could give but one Saturday and Sunday in each month to the Spar- 
tanburg church, with an occasional night or evening as opportunity 
might suggest. The remaining Sundays in the month were given 
to as many churches, scattered over a wide extent of territory ; and 
here and there was one that had its meeting on Tuesday or Wed- 
nesday, or on whatever day might suit the convenience of the 
preacher. In passing to and from these regular charges, there was 
generally a series of appointments to fill on the road ; and indeed, 
whenever it w T as known that Landrum was to be at any place at 
any time, there was almost sure to be a crowd there before him, 
waiting in eager expectation for his appearance. When he entered 
the door of a church, such of the crowd as had not preceded him 
pressed immediately after him, and by the time he rose in thepuipit 
everything was as still as the grave. 

To those w T ho knew him only during the later years of his life, 
when good preachers and forcible preaching had btcome in a meas- 
ure common, and when people had come to regard both with the 
indifference usually generated by familiarity, some of these pictures 
may seem too highly colored. But as the writer we cherish many 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 455 

vivid recollections, brought down from early boyhood of illustrations 
of the facts just mentioned. Bro. Landrum preached to the Spar- 
tanburg church thirty-four years in succession. When he resigned, 
in 1865, the ladies of the town presented him a handsome gold watch 
and chain as a slight token of their appreciation of his long and 
faithful services. 

He married in 1836 to Miss Elizabeth Montgomery, who was in 
■every way worthy of him, and with whom he lived as happily as 
man can live on this earth, until she was removed from him by 
death in 1857, leaving him six children for whom he was henceforth 
to act the parts of both father and mother. About the time of his 
marriage he purchased a farm near Mount Zion, on which he lived 
comfortably and independently. Indeed through life he was a fine 
business man. Though he seemed not to pay much attention to 
worldly affairs, yet he held his business well in band, and under his 
management it steadity prospered, and his worldly substance gene- 
rally increased. 

When this sKetch was begun, it was intended to make it com- 
prehensive enough to embrace a tolerably full account of the labors 
of his life ; of his fifty-one years at New Prospect ; his fifty-two 
years at Mount Zion and Bethlehem, and his forty years' connection 
with the Tyger River Association. It was intended also to make a 
hasty review of Baptist progress in the upper part of our State during 
the last half century, and to notice many of the public enterprises 
with which as a citizen Landrum was identified, and upon which 
he left the impress of his mind and character ; to present a picture 
of his domestic life ; to record many of his fire-side talks ; to present 
some of his skeleton sermons, and to follow him as faithfully as time 
and circumstances would permit through all the changing scenes of 
his active and glorious life. And ample materials have been collected 
from which to construct the story. But it is found that that story 
would extend far beyond the limits which The Baptist Courier could 
be expected to grant, and would still be in an evanescent form. The 
materials are worthy of being incorporated into a volume, and the 
writer of this, after consulting with many brethren in whose judg- 
ment he has confidence, has determined that such a volume shall be 
written. He will therefore pass over a period oMifty years, crowded 
with religious and patriotic enterprises, with which Landrum was 
more or less indentified, and in which his influence was felt and 
acknowledged. 

During. this period, the Tyger River Association whicli he help- 
ed to organize, and of which for a long time he was the moving 
spirit, was formed, assumed proportions bordering on the gigantic, 
and at last something like a miniature Roman Empire was dismem- 
bered principally by its own weight ; the Furman University, of 
which he was a Trustee, was located at Greenville, and reached a 
high degree of prosperity ; the Limestone Springs Female High 
School, of which he was also a Trustee, and the Johnson Female 
University arose and flourished until they were swept away by the 



m BIOGEAFHICAL SKETCHES. 

tide of war/ the Theological Seminary, of which he was a strong: 
supporter, came to Greenville on its noble • mission, quickened Bap- 
tist life, and gave new direction to Baptist energies in our State, and 
then removed beyond our borders ; the Secession Convention, off 
which he was a member, met in St. Andrews' Hall, and was opened 
by him in earnest, solemn prayer ; the Spartanburg and Asheville 
Kail road was projected and built, and in consideration of his ser- 
vices the Directors stamped his name upon the enterprise in charac- 
ters more lasting than the iron bars that link the summit of the 
Blue Ridge to the Southern coast ; and at last the child of his old 
age, the Cooper Limestone Institute, arose Phcenix-like from the- 
ashes of war and destruction, baptized in his affections and conse- 
crated by his prayers. These are some of the ir/ohuments to his in- 
dustry, his benevolence and his public spirit. 

It may be beneficial to some, and interesting to many, to notice 
more particularly some of the leading traits of that character which 
has stamped itself upon so many of the public enterprises of the day, 
and enshrined itself in the affections of our entire people. These 
traits are soon enumerated. They were promptitude, earnestness-, 
originality, honesty, fixedness of purpose — allcoupled with christian 
faith, fortitude and meekness. His manner of treating a subject in 
the pulpit was somewhat similar to that of Dr. Chalmers. He had 
but few points in a discourse, but these were strong ones, around 
which his mind seemed to move as if on hinges. No man ever un- 
derstood better how to repeat an idea in ever-varying forms of ex- 
pression, each one of which advanced in regular climax towards the 
point of culmination, until it had been completely driven home to 
toe hearts and understandings of his hearers. These repetitions- 
were sometimes made with remarkable effect. The writer remem- 
bers when a little boy to have heard him preach a sermon from the 
text, ''Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth ; 
yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their 
works do follow them." He gradually rose in power as he advanced 
with his subject, and carried in his congregation with him. Having 
asserted the proposition that the works of the pious dead follow 
them here on earth as well as up to Heaven, he began to detail as 
illustrations some of the scenes of the great revival of 1832-'33, of 
which he himself had been a witness, and in which he had been a 
prominent actor. He told of one convert after another coming to 
the church and beginning to relate his experience by saying he was 
first awakened years ago by a sermon preached by Lewis Rector. 
And then another would come, saying : "I, too, was awakened by 
Lewis Rector," and still another, saying it was Lewis Rector, and 
when the meeting closed to be resumed at some other church, it was 
the same story — Lewis Rector 2 Lewis Rector! "and, I," exclaimed 
the preacher, "Well, surely Lewis Rector's works are following 
him." It is impossible to give on paper any idea of the effects pro- 
duced in that case by the continued repetition of the name of Lewis 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 457 

Rector in such connections. It will be remembered that Lewis 
Rector had preached all his life without seeing many tangible 
results. 

Bro. Landrum never disappointed his congregations if it was in 
his power to meet them. The last sermon he preached at Mount 
Zion was on last New Year's day. The ground was covered with 
snow to the depth of rive or six inches, while a chilling north wind 
was shaking the ice from the trees, and driving the snow through 
the air ; yet seventy-two years old, as he was, he drove seven miles 
that morning to meet his appointment. On his way he overtook an 
orphan boy on foot, making his way to church. He took him into 
his buggy and said, "Well, I'll have one to hear me preach, if no 
more." But his congregation that day was respectable in numbers, 
for they knew he would be there. He was not only punctual to his 
appointments abroad, but equally so to his appointments at home. 
The family knew the day and the hour of his return, and, if not 
kept away by providential hindrances, he was sure to be there. So 
there is something approaching to truth in the assertion, paradoxi- 
cal as it may seem, that he was more at home and more away from 
home than any other man. Some minister who has given his heart 
and soul to the work may feel inclined to sneer at so humble a trait 
of character, but his wife, who has often watched anxiously for his 
return, and felt her heart sink within her as the hours passed and 
still his coming was delayed, will honor it as one that belongs to the 
truly great. 

His manner of delivery was peculiarly his own. * Some of his 
gestures would appear awkward when judged by the set rules of 
gesticulation, and many of his figures as well as his modulation and 
emphasis might fail to meet the abstract requirements of school 
books, but from the moment he began, the interest of his hearers in 
the subject presented, increased ; and as he proceeded, and the eye 
kindled from the glowing fires within, they forgot to apply rules, 
and every tone and every movement of his body seemed in perfect 
keeping with grand and mighty thoughts struggling for utterance. 

During the whole period of his ministry he baptized over five 
thousand persons, and at the time of his death he was preaching 
regularly to about twelve hundred church members, and yet he was 
never a revivalist, in the accepted sense of the term. His preaching 
was of a character to make a man think and act, rather than merely 
feel, and though sometimes large audiences were melted under his 
genuine pathos, it was when the depths of the understanding had 
been reached, and the walls behind which sin had intrenched itself 
had been shaken to their foundations. The way in which he then 
frequently discussed the high principles of duty, interest, and obli- 
gation, was truly sublime. 

It is believed that during his life he never failed to attend the 

annual meeting of the Association to which his churches at the time 

belonged. It is certain that he never missed but one meeting of the 

Tyger River Association, which was in existence forty years, and 

58 



458 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

then he was standing by the bedside of his dying wife. The last 
Association he attended was the Broad River, at Corinth church, 
last fall. At the close of the morning session on Saturday, he, with 
some other brethren, was going to leave, and he spoke to the Asso- 
ciation home words of encouragement and fatherly advice. It is said 
that he seemed to bt; unusually affected, and that the brethren gen- 
erally felt that they were listening to him for the last time. Rev. 
W. L. Brown, of Gaffney City, made notes of his talk, as follows: 

In speaking to the ministers present with reference to training 
their churches to give to Christ's cause, he said : "My dear brethren, 
train your churches to give to all of our objects of benevolence ; and 
as they learn to give they will love to give, and giving will Ueeome a 
positive pleasure." 

Fn speaking of the short crops, the result of the very dry year, he 
said.- "You must give a part of what you make this year to the 
Lord. When you sell your corn and cotton this fall, though you 
may have but little left after meeting your liabilities, you must give 
a part of that little to God. You must not be in debt to God. You 
can't aflbrd to forget God in your contributions. Give freely and 
trust Him to give back to you Take God into partnership with 
you and see if you do not get along better. If God has given you a 
short crop this year, if you will take him into partnership with you, 
may be He will give you a larger one next year." 

In speaking of education he said: "An educated man is more 
useful, can do more good than one who is not educated. Send your 
sens to Bro. Manly (Furman University) and Ero. Patrick. Y r ou 
can't do better than that. Send your daughters to Bro. Sams and 
Bro. Griffith. They have charge of the Cooper Limestone Institute] 
We want to see old Limestone prosper as in the days of the past, 
and we believe that we shall see it. We know all these brethren 
that I have mentioned to be noble, good men." Then to all present 
he said : "Go to work, my brethren. Work in your churches ; work 
in your Sunday-schools; train up the young to love the Savior. I 
am glad to see so many young persons growing up to take the places 
of those of us who are growing old. I am proud of the young 
preachers. I want them to do better work than the old ones have 
done. I pray that you may be more useful and train your churches 
better, and have better Sunday-schools than any of us have ever 
had. I am an old man now. Perhaps I shall never meet with this 
Association again, and I bid you all an affectionate farewell." 

The last sermon John G. Landrum ever preached was at Wolfe's 
Creek church, on the 2nd Sunday in January, 1882, from the text : 
"Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men." 
He preached to acrowded house, and it was generally remarked that 
he displayed unusual earnestness and emotion. He spoke of his 
friends and brethren who had gone to their reward, whom he said 
he should soon join ; of his deceased wives, the mothers of his chil- 
dren, whom he would meet in Heaven, and made an earnest and 
affectionate appeal to the unconverted, assuring them of the deep 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 459 

interest he felt in their welfare, and his heart-felt desire that they 
should be saved 

On the next Tuesday night he made his last public prayer. Rev < 
Milrier Jones, of the Episcopal Church, engaged in missionary work 
in the mountains, failed to reach Landrimi Station on Tuesday 
morning in time for the train, and was compelled to remain over 
until the next day. He made an appointment to preach at the 
Academy that night. Bro. Landrimi invited him to his house and 
accompanied him to the Academy. After preaching, Bro. Landrum 
closed with prayer. Several who heard it remarked that it was one 
of the most feeling and fervent petitions they had ever heard. Rev. 
Milner Jones writes : "Rev. John G. Landrum closed the exercises 
with a prayer of unusual eloquence and power, and even how much 
more would we have appreciated it, had we known that this was 
his last public ministration— that the life which then pleaded so 
earnestly at the throne of grace would soon be cold and dumb in 
death. As it is, I shall always be thankful to our God and Savior 
Jesus Christ, that the last public benediction of this veteran of the 
cross, fell on me, and I pray God to grant me grace to be, as Lan- 
drum was, faithful even unto death." 

On Thursday following this meeting, Bro. Landrum complained 
of heartburn. His sou, Furmau gave him a little soda, which seem- 
ed to relieve him. On Friday night he ate a hearty supper and was 
taken very sick during the night. His son, Dr. J. B. O. Landrum, 
was sent for, who came and found him suffering from extreme nau- 
sea, with constant disposition to vomit. Aside from this he com- 
plained of a severe pain in the chest, such as he said he had never 
felt before. Dr. Landrum promptly adniinisterd an emetic, and he 
obtaiued partial relief. On the next day Dr. Landrum called in Dr. 
Geo. R. Dean, and when he arrived it was thought that he was bet- 
ter, and from that day till his death he seemed to be improving. 
Dr. Landrum with his family visited him again on Sunday, and 
found him still seemingly better, but complaining of a lurking pain 
in the region of his heart. He was disposed to talk a good deal 
about death, and said so far as his preparation was concerned he 
had made up his mind long ago that he was as ready as he ever 
would be. "But, oh !" he exclaimed, "there is so much work forme 
to do !" He added : "But when I do die I shall not plead my own 
works, but the merits of a crucified Savior, and I shall die an hum- 
ble penitent at his feet." Dr. Landrum thought it not best to en- 
courage him to talk about death, so the subject was changed, and 
the rest of the day was spent in cheerful conversation. Dr. Lan- 
drum visited him again on Monday and found him sitting up and 
apparently doing well. He himself thought that he would be able 
to meet his appointment to preach on the next Sunday. 

On Thursday, 19th of January, he directed his son Furman to go 
down to Spartanburg and attend to some business that was weigh- 
ing upon his mind, and added : "Be sure to come back to-day, Fur- 
man, for I may not live more than a day or two. However, I hope 
t 



460 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the Lord will spare my life at least one year longer." The day was 
bright and pleasant— about the only pretty day in the mouth of 
January. He walked out towards noon to a place some three hun- 
dred yards from his dwelling, where he had some hands engaged in 
cutting wood. The wood-cutters say that he came up to them, stop- 
ped, looked up at the sky, and turned and walked off without saying 
one word. On his return to the house it was remarked by those who 
saw him that beseemed to be very much exhausted. He went into 
the house and said to his daughter-in-law (Mrs. Furman Landrum,) 
"Fannie, it is past twelve o'clock." Mrs. Landrum replied : "Yes, 
Pa, do you want your dinner?" He answered, "yes; I'm hungry." 
Mrs. Landrum left the room to hasten the preparation of diuner, 
while he walked towards the back piazza, remarking in her hearing 
as he went, "This is a sweet, beautiful day." These were his last 
words. In a few moments Mrs Landrum heard the sound as of a 
heavy fall, followed by a long, deep groan, and running to the back 
piazza she found him lying motionless on the floor. She attempted 
to revive him, but life had departed. She called, but the trumpet- 
toned voice-of John Gill Landrum was hushed forever! Fifty-two 
years a preacher of righteousness ! Seventy-two years in the battle 
of life, and never found wanting ! Such is the record. 

"Servant of God, well done! 
Rest from thy hard employ. 

The battle fought the victory won, 
Enter thy Master's joy." 



Lankford, Elder Wm. was a delegate to the session of 
1850 and 1851, of the Broad River Association, from Friend- 
ship church ; and was pastor of Sulphur Springs and Bethesda 
churches. Since that period of time, we are not advised as to 
his operations, isor do we know the date of his birth, con- 
version or ordination to the work ot the gospel ministry. 
Y\ r e opine that he has removed into the bounds of some other 
Association ; but, having once been a Broad River minister, 
we therefore, make this mere mention of him. We know 
that he was a good preacher. 



Lemmons, Elder Isaac appears in the Broad River As- 
sociation in 1815 as a delegate from the Head of Enoree 
church. He afterwards became a member of Washington 
church in Greenville county, S. C, and in 1820-'21-'22-'23 
-'24-'25-'26 and '27, he represented the church in the As- 
sociation, and labored faithfully for the promotion of the 
best interests of all the churches. His style or manner of 
preaching, was said to be, of an allegorical character. With 
him it did not matter what the literal reading of the text or pass- 
age might be, it had a spiritual signifieancy, that must be evolved 
or brought out, to the attention of his hearers, and his whole 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 461 

time was generally taken up (and sometimes a good deal of 
it) in unfolding the spiritual mysteries embodied in the text 
of his choice. This, however, was one of his peculiarities. 
He was an uneducated man, but spoke with considerable flu- 
ency, and great "power and demonstration of the spirit." 
He was a devotedly pious and useful minister, in his day and 
time. The Washington church to which he belonged be- 
came a constituent member of the Tyger River Association, 
when organized in 1833, and Elder Lemmons (if still living) 
probably became a member of the new organization. .We 
are not apprized ot the period of his birth or death, or nativ- 
ity. We doubt not, however, that he has long since gone 
to receive the reward of the finally faithful, and is now real- 
izing for himself the joys and happiness, he was only capable 
of illustrating while here in alWorv. 



Lewis, Elder James was born about the year 1780, in 
Lincoln (now Gaston) county, J5T. C, on the waters of C row- 
tier's Creek. When quite a young man, and prior to his 
marriage, he went to the State of Virginia on business, and 
while there was fortunate in being placed .under good influ- 
ence, and thereby converted to God and His truth. He 
''•conferred not with flesh and blood," but immediately 
joined a Baptist church in that State, and was baptized. 
After sojourning there for a time, he returned to his native 
State and county, about the close of the year 1807: and at- 
tended the school of a Mr. Collins, until he acquired a com- 
mon English education, with a smattering of the Latin 
language. He then commenced teaching, he become im- 
pressed weightily with the propriety and duty of attempting 
to speak to the people publicly in reference to the salvation of 
their souls. He was licensed by a church near the South 
Carolina line, where Elder John liooker, of the Bethel Asso- 
ciation was pastor, knovxn by the name of 'Mill Creek, and 
after exercising his gift for some time, was ordained to the 
full work of the gospel ministry, the precise date of which at 
this time we are unable to state. 

He married Miss Annie Witherspoon, in Lincoln coun- 
ty, K C, on the 27th January, 1812, daughter of James 
Withei^spoon, an Irish Covenanter, whose wife w T as a Prec- 
bvterian lady. 

Elder Lewis, after his marriage, was employed by a 
Baptist Mission Board, for some time, to teach the Catawba 
Indians, and located himself while engaged in the mission, 
in Lancaster county, S. C, near the Catawba river, where 
some of his first children were born, amongst which was 



462 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

John G. Lewis, Esq., of Dallas, N. C, formerly the expert 
Clerk of the Superior Court of Gaston county. 

Sometime near 1820, he removed from his mission sta- 
tion to his former home, in Gaston county, near the State 
Line, and became a member of and the pastor of Long Creek 
church, where he remained until the time o± his death, which 
occurred on the 4th day of June, 18S4, from the effects oi 
Typhoid fever. He had labored also with Thessalouica and 
Hebron churches for several years, and generally was prompt 
in attending the different sessions of the Broad River Asso- 
ciation while he was a member of that body. 

He was about five feet eight or ten inches in height, of 
round heavy build, large chest, dark hair, and hazel or brown 
eyes, of pleasant and affable manners, and fluent speech. 



Lewis, Elder John W. appeared in the Broad River 
Association in 1830, at the session held that year at Cedar 
Springs church. He was a member of the Mount Zion 
church, in Spartanburg county, S. C, and represented said* 
church with Elder John G. Landrum in the subsequent 
sessions of the Association at Buck Creek in 1831. At 
Sandy Run in 1832, when he was elected clerk of the body,, 
and at Long Creek in 1833, when he w T as re-elected clerk. 
At this latter session the Mouut Zion with the other churches 
were dismissed from Broad River for the purpose of forming 
a new body (Tyger River,) and Elder Lewis w r as thereby 
taken from the Broad River body. To enable the readers- 
of this work to know more about Dr. Le\vis ? we copy the 
following from Cathcart's Baptist Encyclopedia ; 

"Rev. John W. Lewis, one of the most distinguished Baptist 
ministers of North Georgia, was born near Spartaburg, S. C., Feb. 
1st, 1801. Educated at "a classical academy near Spartanburg, he 
s udied and practiced medicine at Greenville, S. C, becoming £ 
skillful and popular physician. Be united with the Baptist church 
of that town. Duringthe years 1830 and 1831 he was a member of the 
South Carolina Legislature. About this time he began to preach, 
and was ordained in 1832. He removed to Canton, Ga., in 1839 or 
1840, becoming pastor of that and other churches in Cherokee, Ga. r 
and acquiring a great influence. He was a preacher of much force 
and energy ; a strong and bold deftnder of the faith ; an able expoun- 
der of the Word, and an eloquent advocate of the truth, A man of 
line practical sense, he had a strong mind, and was a deep, original 
thinker. He had a benevolent heart, and was steadfast in his friend- 
ships. He had extraordinary forecast, and managed business mat- 
ters with great ability aud success. In 1857 he was appointed super- 
intendent of the State Road by Gov. Brown, and his management 
was eminently successful. During the war he served in the Con- 
gress of the Confederate States, as Senator, with great ability, and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 463 

previous to the war he served in the State Senate, and was instru- 
mental in the establishment of the Supreme Court of Georgia. His 
character stood extraordinarily high in Georgia. A man of firm 
faith, deep piety and unabated zeal, he won many souls to Jesus. 
After a life of great usefulness he died in Cherokee county in June, 
lb65." 

We can bear testimony to his zealous manner of preaching 
-the Gospel, having witnessed for ourself his pathetic appeals to the 
.hearts and consciences of men to be reconciled to God on several 
occasions. In his preaching efforts he manifested not only great 
.ability but intense earnestness both in his words and manner. 

Dr. Lewis was a heavy built, robust looking man, large chest, 
inclining a little to corpulency, of the ordinary height, with blue 
eyes and light hair, rounded visage and stentorian voice. 

At the session of 1831 Dr. Lewis was appointed to write a Circu- 
lar Letter on the proper method for a church to pursue in calling 
of a pastor, which is reproduced in this worK as follows : 

CIRCULAR LETTER, 

Dear Brethren : — Pursuant to a resolution of our last Association, 
we address you the present year <l on the proper method for a church 
to pursue in calling of a pastor or supply, and the duties incumbent 
on them to each other. 

In doing this we are aware that we are treating upon a subject 
of vital importance, of considerable difficulty, and one in which much 
of the peace and prosperity of Christ's Church upon earth is involv- 
ed. Deeply impressed with this view, it shall be our aim to exhibit 
the subject in plainness and simplicity, and with a view to the ben- 
efitting, both of pastors and churches. It will not be expected that, 
in treating of the relative duties of churches and pastors, we cau 
speak of the individual and often peculiar cases which exist in this 
relationship, but only give our opinion as to a general course, leav- 
ing the application to the prudence and discretion of the churches. 
And first, as to "the proper method for a church to pursue, in 
calling of a pastor or supply." This call must either be made upon 
a member of the church that makes the call, or upon a member of 
a sister church. We conceive that a preference should be made in 
calling a pastor whose membership is in the church making the 
call, unless there should exist some prominent reason to the contrary. 
This should be more especially the case, provided the minister wjiose 
membership is with them has been advanced to the station he occu- 
pies, by and with the consent of the church of which he then is a 
member. But it is not unfrequently the case that there are minis- 
ters of the Gospel whose membership is in a church who are desir- 
ous of obtaining the pastoral care of some other minister. In this 
case, if the church should conscientiously, and upon deliberate 
consultation, believe that the gift of the minister whose membership 
is with them is unprofitable, then if the advancement of said minis- 
ter has been the act of another church, the church should then feel 
itself entirely at liberty to call a pastor or supply from elsewhere. It 



464 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

is true that churches, at many limes, are at a loss with regard to 6h« 
propriety of pursuing this course, for the fear of wounding the feel- 
ings of the brother whose membership is with them. But it should, 
be remembered that each of our churches has a government, free 
and independent of any other churches, and if a church should be 
desirous and think it their duty to obtain a pastoral supply out of 
their immediate church, then, although they may have a minister 
whose name is enrolled on their church book, yet his reception as a 
member was not his reception as a minister or pastor, and conse, 
quently a church would be no more bound to call him than another- 
But if there should be a minister in the church whose moral conduct 
is blameless, and who has been put forth by and with the consent of,, 
and as an act of the church itself, where his membership is, then 
the church would certainly be bound, for the sake of consistency at 
least, to make the call on the minister whose membership is with 
them ; the contrary would be both cruel and inconsistent. To illus- 
trate this subject more fully, we will suppose that a minister of the 
Gospel who has been regularly ordained, removes from Virginia to 
South Carolina, and becomes, by a regularly certified letter of dis- 
mission, a member of one of the churches of that State ; as soon 
as he is received as a member, he produces before the church sat- 
isfactory evidence of his being a regularly ordained minister of the 
Gospel ; the church, as a matter of course, invites his public min- 
istry, and he continues perhaps his public exercises for a conside- 
rable length of time, until the pastor in charge is removed by death 
or otherwise. Would a church in this case be bound to call for the 
pastorship of this minister? Certainly not ; because they may think 
his gift unprofitable in reference to pastorship, and although the 
church in Virginia, from whence he came, may have thought dif- 
ferently; yet upon the principle of independence of judgment 
among churches, each church has, and of right ought to have, the 
liberty of judging for itself. 

Another difficulty in which churches are not unfrequeutly situ- 
ated, is that of their having a pastor who has long labored with them 
without producing any, or at least but little visible good effect, and 
with whom the members, together with the attending congregation 
have, to a great extent, become indifferent. The question arises, 
what course should a church pursue under such a state of things ? 
The most easy, and doubtless the best answer that can possibly be 
given, is for the church to act faithfully. At the termination of the 
time that may have been covenanted for his pastoral labors, the 
question-will arise, both with the pastor and the church, whether 
their then pastor shall continue his labors ; this with the pastor him- 
self is often a matter of anxious and j>rayerful anxiety, and one which 
should be submitted to the wish and discretion of the church. When 
thus left to the option of the church, it is plain that if thev should 
be conscientious in the belief, that it would be more for the advance- 
ment of the cause of religion to call for a pastoral supply elsewhere, 
they have the right and are in duty bound to do it ; and although 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 465 

the church may have fears of injuring the feeling of the minister 
Who had hitherto had the charge of the church, yet it is evident that 
he should submit to the will of the church cheerfully, as it is said to 
be in possession of the "mind of Christ;" but that in addition to this 
consideration it would be better for the feelings of one individual to 
suffer than for a church and community to be unprofited. It is not 
unfrequently the case that a church is divided on this subject, and 
the question arises, shall a majority govern, or shall the church re- 
quire unanimity ? We would give it as our opinion that the major- 
ity should govern, but certainly each church will judge for itself in 
this particular. But we would suppose that as unanimity could 
scarcely ever be expected, if churches were to wait for it, the proba- 
bility is that very few churches would have a pastoral supply. With 
regard to the manner of proceeding, when a church shall have de- 
termined upon calling any certain person : this may vary somewhat 
from peculiar circumstances, but generally the wishes of the church, 
should be stated in writing (officially signed by the church clerk) and 
communicated by a committee appointed for the purpose— first to 
the minister, and if his consent is gained, then to the church where 
his membership may be. This should be done not only as a matter 
of courtesy, but also for the purpose of preventing any subsequent 
difficulties which might have arisen from charges of immoral or dis- 
orderly conduct on the part of the minister called. 

It may not be amiss to say something of the right that a church 
has of calling upon any minister of the Gospel to labor for their re- 
ligious benefit and advancement. This certainly cannot be consid- 
ered a natural right, but one which emanates from the command 
given to all Gospel ministers "to feed the flock of Christ:" It may 
be defined a relative right — one which, to a considerable extent, de- 
pends for its existence (in reference to man) upon the fact of its in- 
volving or creating a reciprocal right, to which we shall presently 
call your attention. We conceive that none but God Himself has 
the right of calling a man to the ministry of the Gospel, and if this 
be the fact, it will at once be seen that all the right (strictly speak- 
ing) that any church has of calling for the labors of a minister of the 
Gospel, may be defined a social right, arising from the connexion 
of members of the body of Christ. On this particular subject we 
refer you to the 9th chapter of Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians. 
The relationship between a church and pastor will be found to resem- 
ble that which exists between the members of a natural body — all 
depending and being dependent on each other, both for the comple- 
tion of a system which embraces beauty, symmetry, strength, and 
harmony of action. 

We now call your attention to the reciprocal duties of churches 
and pastors. And first of the pastoral duties : and these we conceive 
to be more extensive and important than is generally conceived. 
With many it seems that a mere attending at the meeting house at 
stated times, preaching twice per month, and administering the 
ordinances, comprises, as they think, the principal part of the pasto- 
58 



466 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ral duties, but surely this conclusion can not be drawu from tlie 
Scriptures. His labors certainly embrace a much larger field of ac- 
tion. He should view it as his bounden duty not only to labor in 
public in the ministration of the Word, but also in private, with in- 
dividuals; to visit the sick ami the afflicted; to be a sort of day's 
man, between not only his brethren who may be at variance, but 
also between those who are not members of the church, but who 
form a part of the congregations on whom his labors are bestowed. 
Ministers of the Gospel should invariably take Christ as their model, 
in doing which they will rind it necessary that nearly the whole of 
their time should be devoted to the general cause and advancement 
of His kingdom. They should study to show themselves "work- 
men approved." This study will ever be found most successful, by 
being accompanied by a life of action ; to reduce to practice, and 
thereby enforce by the power of example the doctrines they may be 
desirous of inculcating. It" this course is pursued, it will at once be 
seen that there will remain but little time to be devoted to secular 
concerns. Many of the ministers of our denomination have the 
charge of four churches, which takes constantly two-sevenths of 
their time to attend to, and if we add to this the time used in going 
to and returning from them, together with the time that is (or should 
be) devoted to visiting the sick and the afflicted, reconciling per- 
sons at variance, &c, it will be found that much the larger part of 
their time will be consumed in the discharge of duties strictly pas- 
toral. It will thus be seen that the notion of a faithful pastor pur- 
suing any worldly avocation to profit, is vain ; true, he has sometime 
by his own labor to gain a living, and it is his duty to use it to the 
best advantage, lawfully ; but certain it is that even the amount of 
work rendered under these circumstances can not be so profitable as 
if rendered in its proper season. We now call your attention to the 
right your pastor has in calling upon you in some degree to supply 
this deficiency^; and with regard to this right we would say that 
neither is this a natural right, but one growing out of the relative 
position of church and pastor. If a church has a right to call for 
and obtain the labors of a pastor, it is hut right that he should 
receive somewhat in return. On this subject (as on many others,) 
two opposite extremes have been run into. The one is that of 
churches pursuing a course of extravagant donation to their minis- 
ters, so as to be a sort of temptation to worldly-minded men— to take 
upon themselves the high and sacred office of a minister of the Gos- 
pel of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the sole, the unhallowed purpose of 
obtaining "the loaves and fishes;" the other extreme is that churches 
are often too remiss about this matter, and their pastors are not only 
in straightened but in suffering circumstances, for the want of that 
which is but their reasonable due'. "The laborer is worthy of his 
hire." We know of no better way of illustrating to your minds the 
real situation of a true minister of the Gospel of Christ than that of 
exhibiting him to you as holding in his right hand this passage of 
Scripture: "Go ye into all the world aud preach my Gospel," &c. ; 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 407 

while at the same time in his left he holds this passage : "Pie that 
proviueth not for his household and family is worse than an infidel," 
&c, Now it will be plain to you that both of these commands can 
not be completed in the same person. It would be impossible for a 
man to be going through the world preaching the Gospel, and at the 
same time be cultivating the earth, in order to support himself 
and household . It is the l'act though, that this seeming contradic- 
tion (like many others in the Scriptures) is reconciled by that puss- 
age which says, "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that 
treadei.ii out the corn." 

If these statements are correct, you will at once perceive that if 
it is important that the ministers of the Gospel should preach, it is 
— from the relationship which we have attempted to show — import- 
ant that you should act that part which will make the system a 
harmonious one. 

Some are ready to object to all human action towards the support 
of the preaching of the Gospel, but it should be rememuereci that 
bare opinion must give way to revelation ; and if you will read the 
chapter to which we have already referred you, together with the 
Scriptures generally, . we deem it useless to say anything "more on 
the subject. In conclusion, we would exhort both pastors and 
churches to renewed diligence in the discharge of their duties, and 
they may expect the work of the Lord to prosper in their hands. 
Farewell. Joh^ t W. Ljiiwis. 

October 19th, 1832. 



Lee, Elder Jeremiah was a. Broad River minister, date 
of his birth unknown. The following sketch of his life ap- 
pears in the minutes of the Broad River Association, at its 
session in 1879, which we take the liberty to reproduce. 

"Elder J. Lee has been called from the labors of earth to the 
joys Of Heaven, He had long been a faithful christian and laborer 
'in our midst. He quietly fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on the 22d 
of December last, after an illness of four years. He had been a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church about 17 years. He was licensed to preach 
November 30th, 1850, and ordained June 15th, 1852. He was set 
apart to the office of a regular ordained minister by prayer and the 
imposition of hands by Elders P. W. Littlejohn, M. C. Barnett and 
J. IS. Ezell, in which office he continued to officiate up to the time 
of his affliction. He bore his trials with christian fortitude, and 
often said that his faith was growing stronger and his evidences 
brighter, and that he was waiting his Master's call. 

His trials are o'er, his body sleeps 
Beneath a bed of earth. 

His tongue lies mute with all its powers, 
Subdued by conquering death. 

His soul has spread its wings in haste, 

And to its God hath flown, 
Where he sits in righteousness, 

With an immortal crown. 



468 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Bro. Lee never had the advantage of an early education, but, by 
close alliance with Jesus, had become an acceptable preacher of the 
Gospel. His life was "a living epistle, read and known of all men." 
He was a bold defender of his Master's cause, a true and devoted 
friend, a kind, affectionate husband and father; and while we 
mourn his loss, we sorrow not as those that have no hope. We ten- 
der our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved and heart-stricken 
widow and family, praying that God may sanctify this dispensation 
of His providence for good, knowing that all things work together 
for good to those that love the Lord, and are called according to His 
purpose." 

At the session of the Broad River Association of 1849 
and 1850 brother Loe was a lay delegate from Bethesda 
church, and in 1851 appeared from the same church as a li- 
centiate. In 1852-'58- ? 54, &c, he appears in the minutes as 
an ordained minister and delegate from the same church. 



Leathekman, Elder John E. appears in the King's 
Mountain Association in 1856 and 1860 as a member of, 
and a delegate to the Association, from Mount Yernon 
church. We are uninformed as to the date of Elder Leath- 
erman's birth, but suppose he was born in Lincoln county, 
N. C, about the year 1820, and has been preaching about 
twenty-five years. He has labored some with Mount Yern- 
on and Corinth churches. Is said to be a well meaning 
brother, but of moderate attainments. If, however, he has 
only a single talent it is as much his duty to cultivate it, as 
if he had ten. There is a work for all to do. "Go work in 
my vineyard" says the Husbandman. 



Lee, Elder James K. is an ordained minister of the 
Broad River Association. We find in the minutes of 1868 
that he was a delegate to the Association from Corinth church, 
and appears still as one of the ministry of that body. He 
was born Dec. 2nd, 1826, and is a native of Spartanburg 
county, S. C. His residence is near Pacolet depot on the 
Spartanburg and Union Railroad. He joined the church in 
1846 and was ordained in the year 1866. His work has 
been specially that of an evangelist laboring in Spartanburg 
and L T nion counties, S. C, and the extreme western part of 
North Carolina. 



LiTTLEJOHK, Elder Felix W., a native of Spartanburg 
county, S. C, appeared in the Broad River Association as a 
licensed preacher and delegate, from G ouch er Creek church, 
in 1840: at the session held that year at Concord church, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 4'69 

Rutherford county, N. C. He was ordained m 1841, to 
the full work of the ministry, and represented Goucher Creek 
ill most consecutively until about 1855, when his health fail- 
ing, he did not afterwards attend the sessions as formerly. 
After having served as pastor of Goucher Creek church 
many years, he died of apoplexy, on the 10th of October, 
1860, being about 55 years of age. 

The Broad River Association, at its session in 1861, 
adopted the following notice : 

"Brother F. W. Littlejohn was ordained to the ministry in the 
Goucher Creek church, about twenty years ago, and for a long time 
labored zealously and. successfully in the Gospel. For some time 
past, owing to the infirmities of the body, he refused to take the pas- 
toral charge of any church, still unto the day of his death he never 
threw off the mantle of his calling." 

We knew Dr. Littlejohn, who had the reputation, not 
only of being a good preacher, but a good physician as well. 
In early life he had the appearance of being an athletic, hale, 
heart} 7 and healthy man, being of round heavy build, large 
chest, and good lungs. His health, however, from some 
cause failed, and for a few years previous to his death, he 
rapidly declined. Dr. Littlejohn was about live feet ten 
inches in height, dark hair and eyes, and visage somewhat 
rounded like his body, with a playful and sprightly counte- 
nance ornamenting his entire physique. We loved his soci- 
ety very much, and feel that the Broad River Association 
sustained a great loss in the death of one so popular and 
useful. 



Lindsey, Elder William was a member of Cross Roads 
church, and licensed by said church in 1834. Was a dele- 
gate to the Broad River Association at Goucher Creek the 
same 3 r ear. In 1835 he was ordained to the full work of 
the ministry, and delegated to represent Cross Roads in the 
session of the Association at Wolfs Creek, the same year. 
After which we find no further account of him in the min- 
utes of the Association. He probably emigrated to some 
other field of labor. We are uninformed as to the date of 
his birth, or of his proficiency as a minister. 



Lyon, Elder John appears to have been a Broad River 
minister in 1834. The minutes show that he represented 
Green River church that year in the session held at Goucher 
Creek. And again in 1835 at Wolf's Creek church. After 
which, we find no other account of him, and presume he 
emigrated, like many others, to a more inviting field of la- 



470 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Lor. We have no definite information of Elder Lyon onh 
what we gather from the minutes of the Association. 



Lancaster, Elder Wm. Decatur appears in the min- 
utes as a member of Sandy Springs church, and was a dele- 
gate to the Broad River Association from the said church 
first in 1874, and then continuously at each annual session 
since. He was born in the suburbs of Spartanburg city, S. 
C, on the 14th gf February, 1824. Converted 1846, and 
was married on the 11th April, 1850, to Miss R. C. Padgett,, 
a daughter of Eider A. Padgett, dec'd, a young lady every 
way worthy of a good husband. Elder Lancaster was licens- 
ed in October, 1858, and was ordained by S. X. Whitson,, 
II. Culbreth and A. Padgett, on the 17th October, 1862. 
He is a nephew of Wm. Lancaster, who was clerk of the 
Broad River Association from its organization up to the year 
1811. We hope Elder Lancaster may prove himself worthy 
of being the namesake of his venerated uncle. We are sor- 
ry we have not a more full history of his past life and labors. 



Logan, Elder Ransom P. was born January 1 0th, 1810,, 
and married Miss Belinda Gladden October 2nd, 1834. Lie 
was converted and licensed to preach about 1839, and or- 
dained to the full work of the Gospel ministry a short time 
afterwards. In 1841 he appeared first in the Broad River 
Association as a delegate from Antioch church. In the ses- 
sion of 1842 he was a delegate from Bethlehem church, 
which church was constituted the same year, and chose Elder 
Logan as pastor. He continued in the discharge of his pas- 
toral duties with this church several years, and was engaged 
to supply Beaver Dam and Broad River churches for some 
time, when he subsequently removed to the eastern part of 
the Association, and was engaged as pastor of the Olivet 
Church: and while laboring for said church was appointed 
by the King's Mountain Associatian as missionary to the 
Catawba Valley, where he labored acceptably for a few years, 
after which the mission was discontinued, and Elder Logan 
again resumed pastoral work. Although he labored under 
great disadvantages by reason of his lack of education, yet 
he had become popular and useful as a disciplinarian and 
explanatory preacher, and at the sessions of the King's 
Mountain Association in 1864-'65, he was complimented by 
the body with the Moderatorship, the duties of which he 
discharged very creditably. 

Some time after the late war ended, Eider Logan began 
to manifest symptoms of absent-mindedness, and finally in- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 471 

sanity overtook him, and on the 1st day of July, 1882, he 
died, in the 73d year of his age. 

The following notice appears on the face of the Minutes 
of the King's Mountain Association. 1882: 

"Elder I*. P. Logan was for many years a member of this Asso- 
ciation, and Moderator for two of the sessions of the body. He died 
at his residence, in Iredell county, N. C, on the 1st of July, 18S2. 
For many years he was a faithful minister and pastor of churches 
in our bounds. Although his mind failed him for a year or two be- 
fore his death, we trust the Lord was pleased to take him to his rest 
in heaven," 



McDo-UGAL., Elder Hezekiah was said to be of Scotch 
ent ; date of his birth unknown to us. Was pastor of 
Cedar Springs church, in Spartanburg county, S. C, from 
1825 to. 1834. He made his first appearance in the Broad 
River Association as a delegate from Cedar Springs church 
at its session held in 1825, at Buffalo, and afterward attended 
annually in the same capacity until 1834, after which we lose 
sight of him. He had become an old man, and probably 
died about that time. He was a good pious brother, but 
possessed no extraordinary preaching talent ; was somewhat 
formal in his religious exercises. Elder Barnett, speaking 
of Elder McDougal in his sketches of the Broad Kiver Asso- 
ciation, says: "1 remember the benediction of old Bro. Hez- 
ekiah McDougal, who was a long time pastor of Cedar 
Springs church, which, though it was very affectionate, seem- 
ed to me to be a very unnecessary circumlocution . It ran 
.about this way: Now may the rich and saving grace of our 
once humbled but now highly exalted Lord and Savior Jesus 
Christ, the love of God, His and our Heavenly Father, and 
the comfortable communion of the Holy Spirit, rest, remain 
and abide with you and all the Israel of God, now, henceforth 
and forever more. Amen.'" 

In looking over the Minutes of the Association, we do 
not find that Elder McDougal was ever connected with any 
important business matter in which the body was concerned, 
save one — he was appointed with Dobbins, Hicks, Crow, 
Rainwater and Hamsour a committee "to visit Macedonia 
church, to inquire into her standing, and set in order any 
thing that may be found wanting, and report to next Asso- 
ciation." They attended, and found that the church had 
attended strictly to Gospel order in her dealing with Jona- 
than Guthrie, her former pastor, who had become disorderly, 
and they so reported to the Association. 



472 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

McBee, Elder Edward appears to have been an ordain- 
ed minister of the Broad River Association, and was a mem- 
ber of Zion Hill church, and a delegate to the Association 
in the session of 1841 and 1842. We are informed that he 
moved outside the Associational bounds, and we are unable 
to trace him in the minutes after that period. We are with- 
out information as to his history. 



Mallary, Elder E. D. is a native of S. C, though 
reared in Georgia. Located now in Shelby ,£T. C. y he has taken 
charge of the Shelby Female College, which he appears to 
be running to a very good account. Having moved into the 
bounds of the King's Mountain Baptist Association, and 
thereby identified himself with the Association, we there- 
fore enter his name on the roll of ministers, ieeling and be- 
lieving that the body has been fortunate in obtaining an 
acquisition so desirable. 

Professor Mallary was ordained to the full work of the 
ministry in Albany, Ga., Nov. 8th, 1874. Before the war, 
he was connected with the Georgia Female College, Madison. 
Ga., and later, President of a Baptist College in Cuthbert, 
Ga. After the war, he took charge of the Union Female' 
College, Eufaula, Ala.,. and for six years before he moved to 
1ST. C, was President of Shorter Female College, which he 
had the honor of placing in the front rank of Southern In- 
stitutions for females. 



McCraw, Elder James Madison is a native of Cleve- 
land county (formerly Rutherford county, N. C. ;) was born 
in 1823 ; converted in his 18th year, and joined the church 
at Providence. He was chosen a delegate to the Broad River 
Association at the session of 1850, then a layman. In 1851 
he was licensed to preach, and again represented Camp's 
Creek church in the Association in the sessions of 1852-'53. 
Some time afterward he emigrated to Texas, and settled 
finally in the State of Arkansas, where we learn that he is 
laboring in the Lord's vineyard with great success, having 
been ordained to the full work of the Gospel ministry by a 
presbytery. 

We were well acquainted with Bro. McCraw, and know 
that he manifested great zeal in the cause of the Master 
while laboring among the Broad River churches, and hope 
that he may prove in his new western field "a workman that 
neecleth not to be ashamed rightlv dividing the Word of 
Truth." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 473 

McSwain, Elder William was a native of Rutherford 
county (now Cleveland,) N, C, born about 1806; joined the 
church in early life, and was licensed to preach about 1837. 
He appeared as a delegate from Beaver Dam church in the 
session of the Broad River Association in 1851. He then 
became a member of the King's Mountain, and was in its 
organization the same year. He was chosen a delegate and 
represented Beaver Dam in several sessions of the Associa- 
tion afterwards, and at the session of 1855 he appeared as an 
ordained minister and delegate. He continued that relation- 
ship until 1860, when the division of the Association took 
place on the question of temperance. Elder McSwain affili- 
ated with the "constitutional" party and remained with them 
until the reconciliation took place in 1866. The King's 
Mountain body having united again, and harmony being re- 
stored, Bro. McSwain again represented Beaver Dam in the 
Association. He died in May, 1881, and at the' session of 
the Association of that year the following notice was entered 
on the Minutes : 

"Elder McSwain died in May last, about 75 years of age. He 
had been exercising in the ministry about forty-five years, rendering 
faithful services in the cause of Christ within the bounds of the 
King's Mountain Association. "Blessed are the dead who die in 
the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest 
from their labors, and their works do follow them." 



Morgan, Elder Perminter was a member of Bethel 
church, situate in Buncombe county, K". C. He appeared in 
the session of the Broad River Association in 1801, and was 
one of the organizers of that body in 1800. He preached 
the introductory sermon before the Association in 1802, at 
Buck Creek church, and under the appointment of that body 
prepared the Circular Letter for 1803, on the Doctrines of 
Grace, — a brief, but comprehensive letter, breathing strong 
anti-Arminian sentiments. In 1803 he was chosen Modera- 
tor, and again in 1801. He again preached the introductory 
sermon before the body at its session at Cedar Springs in 
1806, and again prepared the Circular Letter for that year, 
on the Constitution of a Gospel Church, and the Door of Admis- 
sion therein. At this session also he was chosen Moderator 
of the body, and again he was chosen Moderator in 1809. 
Soon after this the French Broad Association was formed, 
and Elder Morgan, now an old man, ceased crossing the 
mountains to attend the Broad River Association. We are 
not in possession of the date of his advent into the world, 
nor do we know the time he died, but doubtless long since 
he has crossed over the river and entered into his promised 
rest. It will be seen, from what h'is been collated from the 
60 



474 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Minutes, that Elder Perminter Morgan was a prominent 
actor in the early days of the Broad River Association. 
Peace be to his ashes! and let his name be had in perpet- 
ual remembrance. 



McKissick, Elder Isaac, a member of Pacolet church 
and a delegate to the Broad River Association in 1820, ap- 
pears to have been an ordained . minister at that time. He 
appeared regularly as a delegate until the year 1826, when 
Pacolet church had doubtless connected itself with some 
other Association, as it does not appear on the Broad River 
list as formerly. Elder McKissick was of course transferred 
with his church, and we consequently lose sight of him in 
the Broad River Minutes. We are informed that he was a 
Scotch-Irish Revolutionary Whig, and that Capt. Daniel 
McKissick, who was severely wounded in the battle of Ram- 
sours Mill, in Lincoln county, N. C, was a near relative of 
his. We are uninformed as to the preaching talents that he 
possessed, but will presume that, as he was of Scotch-Irish 
stock, he was probably well educated, and preached fluent 
sermons for one of his day and time. We are without in- 
formation as to the date of his birth or death. He was a 
resident of Union county, S. C, and there are a number of 
McKissicks now living in that part of South Carolina, of 
high standing and respectability, who are doubtless some of 
his descendants. Let them be proud of their pioneer Bap- 
tist ancestor. It mi^ht have been one much less respectable. 



Martin, Elder William, a native ot York county. S. 
O., first a member of Buffalo church, was, with other mem- 
bers, dismissed to form Antioch church in 1815. He was 
chosen pastor of the new church, and became a useful and 
popular preacher. At the session of the Association in 1816, 
at Buffalo church, Antioch was admitted into the body. 
Eiders William Martin, George Wilkie and Bro. Sherrod 
James being the representatives. Elder Martin soon after 
emigrated to the State of Tennessee, which accounts for the 
non-appearance of his name in the Minutes, after the ad- 
mission of Antioch into the Association. It is said that, 
after his removal, "his praise was in all the churches'' in the 
State of his adoption, and he became a prominent and useful 
minister. 



Moore,Elder Hugh was a member of Goucher creek, church 
and a lay delegate to the Broad River Association in 1819. 
Soon alter this he was licensed and ordained to the full work 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 475 

of the Gospel ministry. In several subsequent sessions 
Elder Moore's name appears on the Minutes as an absentee, 
and we are informed that be bad become engaged as an 
agent to represent pension claims, and was consequently ab- 
sent from home as well as from the Association on pension 
business, and, being tempted by the Devil, he committed 
gross frauds on the United States Government by forgery, 
and was arrested, tried, found guilty, and incarcerated for 
life. Alas ! poor Moore found, when sadly too late, that 
"honesty is the best policy." 

We recollect seeing Hugh Moore, and he was a portly, 
fine looking man, with gold spectacles on his face. He was 
said to be a near relative of the celebrated loyalist, Capt. 
Patrick Moore, who was so signally routed in the time of 
the Revolutionary war by Col. Isaac Shelby, on Pacolet 
river. This is another evidence that "it is not all gold that 
glitters." Although this great misfortune befell Mr. Moore, 
he was said to be very respectably connected in the section 
of country where he was reared, in Spartanburg, S. C. Alas ! 
covetousness has been the cause of the downfall of many ! 



McSwain, Elder Asa A. is a native of what is now 
Cleveland county (formerly Rutherford,) 1ST. C, born March 
10th, 1832. Was converted in his 16th year, and baptized 
by Elder J. S. Ezell ; licensed in 1855. Entered the King's 
Mountain Association in 1858 as a delegate from Double 
Springs church, having been ordained the year previous ('57) 
to the full work of the Gospel ministry, by Elders T. Dixon, 
J. Suttle, A. J. Cansler and William McSwain as the pres- 
bytery. On the 29th of January, 1862, he married Miss 
Elizabeth Cornwell, and having attached himself to the Sandy 
Run church in 1859,1 he from that time was annually chosen 
a delegate to the present, to represent said church in the As- 
sociation, and served as pastor of Pleasant Hill, Beaver Dam, 
Bethlehem, Mount Paran and other churches, in all of which 
responsible trusts it is said he acted very truly and faithfully 
as a minister of the Gospel of Christ. 

Elder McSwain, although a faithful and energetic pastor 
and Sunda}^-school worker, is yet, physically speaking, a 
very feeble man, and no doubt discharges his pastoral duties 
under great disadvantages on that account; he, however, 
feels that a dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto 
him, and that a woe rests upon him if he does not go forward 
in the discharge of duty. 

He has proved an active and useful member of the As- 
sociation, and is often chairman of the committee on Obitu- 
aries, and has submitted to the body some good reports on 



476 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the lives and characters of some of our deceased brethren, 
both of the ministry and laity. Besides these labors he has 
written under the direction of the Association an annual 
Circular Letter addressed to the several churches in union 
on the subject of JBeutficence, which we here reproduce, be- 
lieving that a perusal of it may prove profitable to those who 
may" feel inclined to read and study it: 

C'lRCUJuAK LETTBK. 

The King 's Mountain Baptist Association — To the Churches in Union 

— Greeting ; 

Dear Brethren : — According to an appointment of last year, we 
address you this year upon Systematic Beneficence. Beneficence is 
the practice of doing good or active goodness, and is a conspicuous 
quality in the system of morality. Authority compels us to be fear- 
ed, wealth to be praised, erudition to be esteemed, but beneficence 
renders us useful in society. Some endowments are solitary, and 
centre mostly in ourselves, but beneficence is social, diffusive and 
kind. The disciples of Jesus Christ, under the influence of the Holy 
Spirit, were beneficent. "And all that believed were together, and 
had all things common ; and sold their possessions and goods, and 
parted them to all men, as every man had need." (Acts ii. 44, 45.) 
That is, so far as their mutual wants required. What a beautiful 
picture was the first church at Jerusalem ! It was a church in 
which no person called anything his : but in the unity of the Spirit 
and in the bonds of peace they had all things common. It was a 
church preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and praising God day 
and night; and the Word of God was magnified and grew mightily, 
and the saved of the Lord were added daily to the 'church. The ob- 
jects of our beneficence should be all those who are in the sphere of 
our influence and action. Toward superiors, beneficence expresses 
itself in esteem, obedience and service; toward inferiors, in liberal- 
ity, condescension, protection and support; toward equals, in the 
functions of affection as their cases require., and for which they 
have ability. It includes all the tender efforts on the behalf of the 
poor, the sick, the fatherless, the widow, the distressed, those desti- 
tute of religious knowledge, and especially those "who are of the 
household of faith." (Gal. vi. 10.) Each man should compare his 
views, motives, and conduct with the Bible. If they agree with 
that, they are right, and he may rejoice in them as evidence that he 
is born of God, and is an heir of heaven. But if they do not, they 
are wrong and must be changed, or whatever he or they may think, 
he will be an outcast from God and all good forever. Life is the seed 
time for eternity, and the fruit of what each one here sows he 
will there forever reap. "Let him that is taught in the Word com- 
municate unto him that teacheth in all good tilings.." (Gal. vi. 0.) 
Benefactions ought to be accompanied with prayer, for "the fervent, 
effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much." We should 
always manifest a deep interest, a tender sympathy in the joys and 
sorrows of others. Good men will desire to do good— not to friends 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 477 

only, or to such as do good to them, but also to enemies, and such 
as do evil. We may more clearly see the religious characters of men 
«by their treatment of enemies than of friends, — and those destitute 
of religious knowledge than those who possess it: "Rejoicing with 
st hem that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (Rom. xii. 
15.) A spirit of beneficence generally arises from a spirit of benev- 
olence, the love of mankind in general, accompanied with a -desire 
-to promote their happiness, extending to all men universally with- 
out exception, and is the practice of it ; and is not so universal as it 
is, but is confined to objects around us from several considerations — 
such as our knowledge of others and their different circumstances, 
and our abilities and opportunities. "As we have, therefore, oppor- 
tunity, let us do good unto all men." (Gal. vi. 10.) Our salvation, 
health, prosperity and reputation should all be objects of concern ; 
nor will this clash with the affection we mav bear to others ; on the 
contrary, experiencing the importance of these blessings ourselves, 
<we are anxious for others to enjoy them also. We owe to men, 
purely on the ground of their being of the same species with our- 
selves, sympathy, relief and religious instruction. Obligations to 
beneficence arise from the law of nature : "And hath made of one 
blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and 
hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their 
habitation ; that they should seek the Lord, if happily they might 
feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not tar from every one 
of us : For in Him we live, and move and have our being, as certain 
of your own poets have said, for we are also his offspring." (Acts 
xvii. 26, 27, 23.) If God has caused all men to spring from one fam- 
ily, and has determined the countries where they should live, and 
the- periods of time during which they should occupy them, and if 
the object of God in creation and providence is, that men may know, 
worship and enjoy Him, does not the laws of nature teach us that 
beneficence is a duty ? And this they may do, for He is everywhere 
present, sustaining, upholding and governing all things. Your own 
poets — Aratus, ofOelicia, a Greek poet, who lived more than three 
hundred years before; andCleanthes, who lived about the same time, 
and was the successor of Zeno, the founder of the Stoics, both ex- 
pressed the sentiment referred to. And Aratus expressed it in the 
very word which Paul quotes. As all the human race are the off- 
spring, and are under the government of one common Father, they 
are all brethren of one family, and are bound to treat oneanother as 
such. Each has rights given by his Heavenly Father, of which no 
man or body of men can deprive him, without deep injustice against 
a brother and flagrant rebellion against God. But where the laws 
of nature leaves us in obscurity, the law of revelation throws upon 
us the light of noonday. It is a pleasure to the christian to impart 
blessings as opportunity affords itself to the needy. "But to do good 
and to communicate, forget not ; for with sacrifices God is well 
pleased." (Heb. xii. 16.) It is not enough for men to be pious, devo- 
votional and grateful. They must also be beneficent, disposed to 



478 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

communicate of their blessings to others. This they are prone to 
forget, and the\ need often to be reminded that it is with such things 
God is well pleased. They would thus give evidence that their nat- 
ural selfishness which, if continued will ruin them, is in a way of 
being subdued. A spirit of beneficence manifests itself by being 
pleased with the share of good every creature enjoys ; in a disposi- 
tion to increase it ; in feeling an uneasiness at their suffering, and in 
the abhorence of cruelty under every disguise or pretext. 

System is a connection of parts of a whole connected scheme. 
Systematic Beneficence is a Scriptural method of liberality for the 
support of the poor and the spread of the Gospel, and for the benefit 
of all that are needy. The Tabernacle was not only a type of Christ's 
human nature, but was a type of Christ's Church, whose "tent was 
enlarged and her curtains stretched out, her cords lengthened, and 
stakes strengthened," w T hen the Gentiles were converted to Christ 
and her Gospel state established [Isa. liv. 2,] and are to be still more 
so when the heathen shall be converted to Christ When Moses 
was to erect the Tabernacle he gathered a congregation of the peo- 
ple, and after repeating the law of the Sabbath he asked their free 
gifts for it and its furniture. The spoils of the "Egyptians were 
brought as a free-will offering to Jehovah ; jewels and precious met- 
als, skins and woven fabrics, spices, oils and incense." Two men 
were filled by God with skill for the work. Bezaleel, the son of TJri, 
of the tribe of Judah, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisomach, of the 
tribe of Dan, and they wrought with every wise-hearted man in 
whom Jehovah put wisdom and understanding to work for the ser- 
vice of the sanctuary. They ^oon found the offerings of the people 
far above what was required. O, if we could see an Apostolic 
church, what a different thing it would appear to one of our 
churches ! — as different as light from darkness. There was not a 
member of that church, as a rule, who w T as half-hearted/ they gave 
their soul wholly to God. In the Apostle's days they gave all their 
substance. It w T as not demanded of them then, and it is not now ; 
no one thinks of asking such a thing — still we have run to the other 
extreme, and many give nothing at all; for we have not the Apos- 
tolic mode of liberality, — and while we need means, we want men 
with Apostolic zeal, who can do as Paul did when he went to Phil- 
lippi. Did he know a soul there ? Not one^ He had the Redeemer's 
truth and believed in the power of it. Men will be rewarded in pro- 
portion to what, from love to Christ, they do for His cause. "Every 
man according as he purposeth in heart, so let him give, not grudg- 
ingly, or of necessity : for God loveth the cheerful giver." [2 Cor. 
ix. 7.] Cheerful contributions for christians w T ho are in want, or 
those who are destitute of Gospel Truth, are peculiarly pleasing to 
God, and the greater amount in proportion to their means which any 
rightly bestow, the greater will be their reward. That which is 
given in expression of love to Christ by His sincere and devoted fol- 
lowers, is often thought by others to be wasted and lost. But in the 
view of Christ it is well used, and He will see that it receives a gra- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 479 

Cious and honorable reward. "There is that scattereth and yet in- 
creaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it 
tendeth to poverty." A system of beneficence, as directed by the 
Apostle for the relief of poor saints at Jerusalem, was upon the first 
day of the week, the day set apart and observed by the Apostles and 
christians as the Lord's day, which is the christian Sabbath. "Now 
concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the 
church at Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let 
every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that 
there be no gathering when I come. [1 Cor. xvii. 1, 2.] We believe 
that on that day every one ought to lay by him in store, as God has 
prospered him, at home on each and every Sabbath ; we believe that 
every one ought to consider the blessings of God upon them, and lay 
up accordingly tor the various benevolent causes, that there may be 
no improper gathering. As the first day of the week is the Lord's 
day, and from His resurrection has been observed by His people as 
sacred to His worship, it is a proper time for us to consider His 
goodness, and contribute or lay by in store, as He has prospered us, 
for the supply of the wants of our fellow-men. Wise and good 
ministers exceedingly desire that christians should be prompt and 
liberal in their benefactions, and will be disposed to make honorable 
mention of such as are so, that others may be led to imitate their 
example. Faithful ministers of the Gospel will, if practicable, in- 
duce their hearers to liberally contribute for the benefit of the needy 
and for the spread of the Gospel, and regular, systematic beneficence 
will, in the end, be much more abundant than that which is merely 
occasional — and much more useful, both t<\> giver and receiver. In 
forming plans for future action, we should remember our dependence 
ou God, seek to understand His will, and commit ourselves in well 
doing to His merciful guidance and disposal. Christian brethren, 
and even pious and faithful ministers of the Gospel may differ in 
judgment about the best way of doing good ; and while they exer- 
cise the right of private judgment as to their own duty, they should 
cheerfully concede the same privilege toothers. The possession of 
property involves high responsibilities, increases obligations and 
multiplies duties. "But whoso hath this world's goods, and seeth 
his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion 
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" [1 John iii. 17.] 
By the manner in which men use what they possess, they show their 
christian character and the manner of their love to God and Jesus 
Christ. The Disciples at Jerusalem, continuing in the Apostles' doc- 
trine, included the whole body of Divine Truth, which was based on 
the Old Testament, viewed in the new light of the Spirit, bestowed 
upon the apostles to lead them into all truth. The fellowship, 
though a word used in a wide sense which is familiar to us, seems 
here to denote that communication of the goods of this life which 
was needful to supply the necessities Of the poorer brethren, and 
those starving for the bread of life, and the collection of which seems 
to have formed a part of their united worship. If our churches were 



4S0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

like the Diciples. and had a common fund, as their's, to be divided? 

among the poor, and to send the Gospel where it is not, we would 
carry into full effect the principles that "nought of the things which 
we possess is our own ;' our prayers, as their's, would be answered 
by another sign of God's presence, in the shaking of the place in 
which we meet, as their's and Sinai was shaken of old, and would 
be answered by a new outpouring of the Holy Sr^irit. And the Apos- 
tolic work would be resumed with fresh power, and the church* 
would be endued still more manifestly with Divine grace and har- 
mony ; and the poor, who form a great part of our number, would 
be preserved from want; and the heathen, who form a greater part 
of the world, would receive Gospel light and be saved, by sharing 
the wealth of the rest, according to their necessities. 

Brethren, let us try to be more systematic in our benefactions, 
that in Heaven may be written in fairer lines, with us Jehovah is 
well pleased. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with 
you all. Amen. A. A. McSwain. 

September 20th, 1872. 



Morehead, Elder W. G. is a Broad River minister, and 

member of Gilead church. We find, by examination of the 
Minutes, that he has been pastor of Macedonia, Pleasant 
Grove and Bethesda churches, and has served frequently in 
a representative capacity in the different sessions of the 
Broad River Association. We, however, have no definite 
information as to the preaching talent of Bro. Morehead, 
nor do we know when he was ordained to the work of the 
ministry. 



McSwAiN, Elder Lewis H. is a native of Rutherford 
(now Cleveland County, North Carolina,) was born Oct. 30, 
1814, joined the church first at Buffalo in 1839. Was licensed 
to preach in 1839, and ordained to the full work of the min- 
istry in 1848. He became a consistent member of Mount 
Zion church in its formation, and was chosen pastor in 1848. 
He was also chosen one of the delegates to represent the 
church in the sessions of the Broad River Association of 
that year, and 1849 to 1851, when the King's Mountain body 
was organized,- of which he became a member. He attended 
regularly all the sessions of the King's Mountain body up to 
time of the division of the Association on the temperance 
question in 4860= Elder McSwain then sympathized and 
affiliated with what was called the "constitutional" party 
until the reconciliation took place in 1866. Since then he 
has attended nearly all the sessions, and stnl exercises in the 
ministry of the Word. He has been a faithful pastor of 
Mt. Sinai church from the time of its constitution, until the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 481 

organization of the King's Mountain body, and for several 
years since. lie was destitute of education, but sound in the 
faith and well versed in the Scriptures. And through the 
favor of God he has rendered some good service in His 
cause, having been instrumental in the salvation of many 
precious souls. He married Miss Mary Ilamrick, daughter 
of Deacon D. Ilamrick. 



Morgan, Elder Spencer, a native of Spartanburg coun- 
ty, S. 0. He made his first appearance in the Broad River 
Association at its 32d anniversary session at Sandy Run 
church in 1832. He was afterward chosen consecutively as 
one of the delegates to the Association until 1346, having 
served as clerk of the body at the sessions of 1843-'44. 

Elder Morgan was licensed to preach by the Providence 
church, and was ordained about the year 1833. His labors 
in the ministry were dispensed with great earnestness and 
zeal, but lacking in that moving unction and pathos that is 
so necessary to impress an audience. He married Miss 
Nancy Lipscomb, and after his ordination to the full work 
of the ministry he was chosen pastor of the Providence and 
Macedonia churches, where he labored many years ; and 
about the year 1846 he emigrated to the State of Georgia, 
since which we are unadvised as to his christian course. 



Mullinax, Elder Madison made his first appearance 
in the Broad River Association as a delegate and licentiate 
from Pacolet church in 1847. He was ordained to the full 
work of the ministry the next year, and continued regularly 
a member of the Association until the session of 1860. We 
find on the face of the Minutes of 1861 the following entry : 

''We are under the necessity of reporting the departed worth of 
Madison Mullinax, a minister belonging to the Broad River Associ- 
ation, of irreproachable character. We trust that the exhibition of 
the life and power of Christianity exemplified in his life of useful- 
ness, in connection with his ministrations in the Gospel, will long 
be unto us "living epistles, known and read of all men." 

Elder Mullinax had been engaged in the ministry for 
some time before he appeared in the Association, being then 
a member of Antioch church. He was a native of York 
county, S. C, born February 25th, 1819. And intermar- 
ried with Miss Roxana Spears, of Union county, S. C, with 
whom he lived happily until the time of his death, which 
took place February 16th, 1861. 



Moss, Elder Noah H. is a native of what is now Cleve- 
land county, X. C.,born February 8th, 1823. Was convert- 
ed in early life and baptized by Elder Wade Hill' into the 
61 



4 U 2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

fellowship of Capernaum church. He was licensed to preach 
about the year 18 — , and ordained to the full work of the 
Gospel ministry in 1876. Elder Moss, we believe, is not the 
pastor of any church within the bounds of the King's Moun- 
tain, but frequently assists other ministers in revival meet- 
ings, Sunday-schools and prayer-meetings. He is well posted 
in the iScriptures, and preaches acceptably. Is an humble, 
unassuming christian, disposed to do all the good within his 
ability, m xhe cause of (Jurist. 



Mullinax, Elder Thomas Henry several years ago was 
a member of Mount Zion church which, although within 
the bounds of the King's Mountain Association, yet remain- 
ed a member of the Broad River until the session of 1872, 
when she joined the Kind's Mountain bodv. Elder Mullinax 
had joined the Antioch church in 1870, and afterward the 
Buffalo church in 1872, which church was then a member 
of Broad River Association, and he was chosen one of the 
delegates to represent said church in the sessions of 1871 to 
1874. We believe he never was identified with the King's 
Mountain Association, but was pastor of Mount Sinai for a 
year or two, and rendered faithful services. His principal 
labors, however, are being dispensed among the Broad River 
churches — Providence, Camp's Creek, Unity, and Abingdon 
Creek, etc. He is a brother of Elder Madison Mullinax, 
dec'd, and also a native of York county, S. C. He married , 
Miss Julia Ann Moore, July 20th, 1852, a daughter of Dea- 
con Wm. Moore, dec'd, a very worthy christian lady. 

Elder Mullinax is a very worthy minister, endeavor- 
ing, we believe, to do all the good he can in the cause of 
Christ. He was born May 29th, 18-30, joined the Antioch 
church, and was baptized by Eider W. Hill, in the 19th 
year of his age. 



Mullixo, Elder Pincxney Sylvanits is a native of 
York county, S. C, born October 7th, 1844 ; married Miss 
Julia Hamrick, daughter of D. Hamrick, Esq., dec'd, and 
joined first the Methodist Episcopal church, but after recon- 
sideration, joined the Baptist church at £fe.w Hope, one of 
the King's Mountain churches, and during the period of a 
revival in said church he felt the influence of the Spirit 
moving him to p \'dy and speak in public. Pie was licensed 
to preach in 1379, and continued to exercise his gift for 
a time, and having been lettered to Mount Sinai church, he 
was examine. 1 by a presbytery consisting of Elders Thomas 
II. Mullinax and Lewis H. McSwain, on the 25th day of 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 483 

August, 1882, and set apart to the full work of the ministry. 
And his name appears enrolled on the face of the King's 
Mountain Minutes of 1882 as an ordained minister. 



Nelson, Elder W. A. is now a King's Mountain min- 
ister, having, accepted the call to the pastorate of the Shelby 
church in the year 1880. Elder Nelson is a very worthy 
christian minister and effective pastor. He possesses a keen, 
logical mind, sterling integrity, fervent piety and sound the- 
ology. He has an eye to the religious operations of his 
Hock. The whole machinery of the church, where he serves 
as pastor is expected to engage fully in the prosecution of 
such work as may be considered necessary for the further- 
ance of the Gospel, or general christian cause of the Redeemer 
among the churches. And in order to succeed well in a 
cause so laudable, and fraught with consequences so very 
important and desirable to all the real lovers of Christianity, 
he spares no pains in leading a faithful and spirited attack 
upon all the strongholds of Satan, let their colors be dis- 
guised and deceptive as they may, which at any time present 
themselves in opposition to the truth of God's word. Dr. 
Nelson's text-book is the revealed will of God, as stated in 
the Bible, without any dissimulation or sugar-coating. We 
reproduce here from Dr. Cathcart's Baptist Encyclopedia 
the following notice of the subject of this sketch as being 
appropriate : 

"Rev. W. A. Nelson, D D. was born in Jefferson county, Tenn., 
July 1st, 1837; baptized by M. Cate ; graduated at Carson College, 
Tenn., in 1859 ; ordained in 1860 ; was missionary during the war ; 
did good work as a pastor at Shelbyville, Tenn., and was very suc- 
cessful at Edgefield, Nashville, where, under" his pastorate, the 
church increased from 31 to 350, and built a fine house and parson- 
age ; came to North Carolina in search of health in 1899 ; became 
president of Judson College, and has gone into the pastorate again at 
Shelby ; a very successful man. He received D.D. from his alma 
mater. The church at Shelby has, by his persevering efforts, been 
greatly revived and built up since he became pastor, and would 
probably be unwilling to exchange him for any other minister. 

"Dr. Nelson has served in three several sessions of the King's 
Mountain Association, and been a leading factor in Associational 
work." 



Owens, Elder M. C. was a Broad Eiver minister for a 
time, said to have formerly belonged to the Eeedy River 
Association. In the session of the Association held at Zoar 
church in 1847, he w r as a delegate to the body from Sulphur 
Springs church, and pastor of that church in the years 1847 



484 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

-'48- r 49. W T e know scarcely nothing of the history of Elder 
Owens. We are informed that he was a mechanic, and 
worked at a trade for the support of himself and family, 
and labored in the ministry as he had opportunity afford- 
ed him. He probably emigrated West, as we lose sight of 
him in the Minutes of the Association after 1849. 



Panxell, Elder Martin is a member of Beaver 
Dam church, of the King's Mountain Association. Date of 
birth unknown to author. A brother, according to flesh, of 
Elder Dove Panneli, dec'd. He is an humble christian min- 
ister, of moderate preaching abilities ; was licensed to preach 
in 1860, and ordained to the full work of the ministry by a 
presbytery, while he was identified with a seceding party 
known as the "Constitutional King's Mountain Association." 
After the reconciliation convention was held at Zoar, the 
Beaver Dam church, with Elder Panneli, returned to their 
places as a constituent of the King's Mountain Association, 
and has ever since proved loyal to the associate body. Elder 
Panneli, while a lay member, represented his church in the 
Association several times before the "temperance troubles" 
disturbed the body, and was always recognized as a pious, 
well disposed member of the church of Christ. He still 
lives. 



Padgett, Elder John appears to have joined the church 
first at Sandy Run, soon after the organization of the Broad 
River Association, and continued his membership there until 
1819, when he appeared in the Association as a delegate 
from Xew Hope church, Rutherford county, X. C. He was 
afterwards transferred to Big Spring church, where he re- 
mained for several years, becoming a member of the Catawba 
River Association. He afterward became a member of High 
Shoals church 1 in its organization in 1830. He was ordained 
to the Gospel ministry in the year 1811, and at the session 
of the Broad River body in 1838, the following entry was 
made on the minutes : "It becomes our painful duty to re- 
cord the death of Elder John Padgett, who departed this 
life some time during the past associational year." 

The services rendered by him in the Gospel ministry, 
and the faithfulness and zeal with which he discharged the 
various duties assigned him, while occupying his respective 
and important station upon the walls of Zion (which he con- 
tinued to do for more than forty years,) entitle him to' the 
remembrance and respect of all good men ; for he not only, 
in his early life, taught the healthful doctrines of the Gospel 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 485 

with force and with confidence ih their correctness and truth, 
ibut he even, in his declining years, ratified the things which 
he had spoken, by discovering a holy calmness in view of 
•death and his approaching dissolution, which did honor to 
the christian cause. He died as he had lived, expressing 
great love and regard for his fellow-men, and beloved by all 
whose opportunities in life enabled them to appreciate the 
worth of such a good man. * 

In offering this tribute of respect to the memory of our 
■departed brother, we earnestly sympathize with his relatives 
•and friends; yet we advise them not to sorrow and grieve as 
those having no hope; for although we are deprived of the 
blessings of his usefulness and presence here, yet we have 
great reason to believe his immortal spirit has gone home to 
rest in a far better land — to be enriched with the full frui- 
tion of everlasting joys, and there to lisp undying Upraises in 
harmonious songs to his Eternal King, and ever to mingle 
with the innumerable company of happified spirits that fly 
in glorious splendor arouud the dazzling throne of the 
Great Jehovah, God." 

Elder Padgett had not only been a soldier of the Cross, 
but in the war of the Revolution, when men's souls were 
well tried, he bore arms in defence of that liberty and inde- 
pendence we have all so long enjoyed, and which we should 
all so much appreciate and endeavor to perpetuate. As a 
preacher "he ranked amongst the most useful in the discharge 
of pastoral duties, and where best known was most appreci- 
ated and Joved. He was a large, raw-boned man, of great 
strength and endurance. The hardships and toils he had 
undergone in his early pioneer life had tended greatly to de- 
velop his muscular system, and he had become almost a giant, 
physically speaking. We are not informed as to the time 
of his birth, but learn from the minutes of the Association 
that he became a member of the body in 1808, then an or- 
dained minister, and consequently he must have attained to 
a great age when he died in 1838, having served at the 
probable age of twenty-five in the Revolutionary war. He 
leaves behind him a good many descendants who, like their 
venerated ancestor, are mostly of the Baptist faith and order. 
He intermarried with Miss Celia Hollyfield, a sister of Elder 
J. Hollvfleld. 



Padgett, Elder Alakson was born April 10th, 1800, in 
Rutherford county, N-. C. Joined the church at High 
Shoals, that church fhen being a member of the Broad River 
Association. In 1841 the High Shoals church was dismissed, 



486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and joined in the organization of the Gree r > River Associa- 
tion, and Elder Padgett was transferred to that body, where 
he remained an active member until 1872, when Sandy 
Springs, the church to which he then belonged, was dismiss- 
ed, and joined the Broad River body ; so that the first and 
last portions of his ministerial labors were spent within the 
bounds of the Broad River Association. 

"While a member of High Shoals, on January 24th v 

1843, he was licensed to preach, and on September 10th T 

1844, he was ordained to the full work of the Gospel minis- 
try, by Elders J. M. Webb, S. G. Hamilton and others, from 
whom, as a presbytery, he received his credentials. 

We were well acquainted with Elder Padgett, and be- 
lieved him to be a devoted and pious christian minister, hum- 
ble and condescending toward all his brethren, and ever 
ready to do any one an act of kindness. He was a good 
preacher, his style or manner of preaching partaking largely 
of the expository character, and greatly edifying to the chris- 
tian portion of his audience. He was truly an orthodox and 
sound Baptist — never was tempted or tossed about by every 
for an}-) wind of doctrine. He was steadfast and immovable 
in the true faith of the Gospel, and we are informed that 
when death approached him he cheerfully resigned his labors 
for that "rest which remafneth to the people of God." He 
died February 2d, 1877. 

In the Minutes of the Broad River Association at its 
session of 1877, we find recorded : 

"We mourn the death of Elder A. Padgett, of Sandy Springs 
church, who died February 2d, 1877." 

How brief is such a notice of a good minister of the 
Xew Testament ! 



Padgett, Elder William Brysox appeared first in the 
Broad River Association in 1846 as a delegate from Camp's 
Creek church, then an ordained minister. He continued 
to be a member of the Association, and delegate from the 
same church, until the session of 1849, after which we find 
no account of him in the minutes of the Association, and 
learn that he became disorderly and was deposed from the 
ministry. At the session of 1847 he, with Elder W. Hill, 
was appointed by the body to perform some missionary labor 
in the extreme eastern section of the Association ; that in con- 
nection with his pastoral duties at Camp's Creek, Boiling 
Springs and Bethlehem churches, is all that we find recorded 
of him in the 'minutes. The date of his birth we know not, 
but suppose it was about 1820. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 487 

Poston, Elder Furman Hill is a native of Cleveland 
county, N. C, and son oi Elder Robert Poston. Born July 
3d, 1855. Baptized by his father in 1871, into the fellow- 
ship of Zion church. Married Miss Alice T. Fulton, Sept. 
16th, 1873. After exercising in the ministry for a time was 
ordained to the full work of the Gospel ministry in 1879, 
and became connected with the Green River Association, 
but is at this time a member of, and pastor of, Ross' Grove 
church, within the bounds of the King's Mountain Associa- 
tion. Elder Boston is now attending Prof. King's academ- 
ical school, at Shelby, N. C., with a view to the obtaining a 
better education, and better preparation to preach the un- 
searchable riches of Christ. May great success attend him ! 



Pannell, Elder Dove was a native of South Carolina, 
■and moved within the bounds of the Broad River Association 
about the year 1831, and joined the High Shoals church ; 
date of birth unknown to author. During the time he lived 
in Rutherford county he acted as a civil magistrate, and hav- 
ing joined the Baptist church he was licensed by the High 
Shoals church to preach the Gospel, and in the year 1844 
was ordained to the full work of the Gospel ministry, by 
Eiders J. M. Webb and S. G. Hamilton. He was chosen 
pastor ot Bethel church, and in 1851 he was a member of 
the convention that organized the King's Mountain Associ- 
ation, and preached the introductory sermon before that 
body from the words, "The hour is come." Elder Panned 
having identified himself with the King's Mountain body, 
was at several times subsequently chosen to preside as Mod- 
erator over the 'deliberations of the body, and at the session 
of 1852 he was appointed to write a Circular Letter on the 
subject of Election, — which letter, out of respect to the mem- 
ory of Elder Panned, we reproduce in this work. At the 
session of the Association in 1880, as will appear from the 
journalistic part of this work, a division of the Association 
took place on the subject of Temperance, and Elder Panned 
became the most prominent in leadership in the secession 
movement. A new body or association was organized the 
same year, and continued to hold annual sessions until in 
1866, a reconciliation was effected by mutual concession, and 
ever since the rival parties have been acting together in har- 
mony. 

Elder Pannell, after laboring faithfully many years in 
the ministry, under great disadvantages by reason of the 
lack of early educational training, died at his home on the 
26th of March, 1881, in the exercise of the Gospel faith he 
had so earnestly preached. 



m BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

The Association, at its session in the same year, noticed 
his demise on the. face of their Minutes,, substantially as 
above stated. Re was a well-meaning, pious christian min- 
ister, and doubtless is now realizing in full fruition the re- 
ward laid up for the finally faithful, 

CIRCULAR LETTER, 

To the Churches Composing the King's Mountain Baptist Association 

— Greeting : 

Dear Brethren :— According to custom and a decision of your 
last Association, we now address you a letter on the subject of Elec- 
tion. First, election in Scripture means God's taking a whole nation y 
community, or body of men into eternal covenant with Himself, by 
giving them the advantage of revelation, as a rule of their belief, 
when other nations were left without. — [See Deut. vii. 6.] 

. Secondly. As regards the salvation of sinners, it means God's 
eternal purpose that He had in Himself before the world began ; that 
through His Son there might a way be opened or made from earth 
to Heaven ; that through this way sinners might be saved There- 
fore, the Son of God is spoken of as the Elect of the Father ; for thus- 
runs the Divine sentence, "Behold my servant whom I uphold, 
mine elect in whom my soul delighteth." [Isa. xliii. 1.] That God 
the Father did not only elect His Son to die for sinners, but chose 
the means and instruments through which the means were to be 
conveyed, appears obvious. The means of grace are the Gospel; for 
it pleased God, through the foolishness of preaching, to save them 
that believe. "But how can they believe in Him of whom they have 
not heard ? and how can they hear without a preacher ? and how 
can he preach without he be sent V [Rom. x.] It is clear, then 
that a man must be called before he can be sent ; and that God calls 
men, is a revealed truth, as it is written; "Listen, O ! iles, unto me, 
and hearken ye people from afar : the Lord hath called me." [Isa. 
xlix. I.] And it is said of the prophet Jeremiah, that God called 
him and ordained him before he came into existence. [See Jer. i. 6.] 
Thus we see that those prophets, together with all "the ministry of 
reconciliation," are called or elected according to God's purpose ; for 
"whom He did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His 
Son, them He called; and whom He called, He justified." [Rom. 
viii. 6.] So also when Christ came into the world in the days of His 
incarnation, He called men who were not only to preach the Gospel, 
but to be eye and ear witnesses to the miracles which He did. There 5 
fore Peter declares that "He went about doing good, and healing all 
that were opyressed with the Devil." For God was with Him. And 
we are His witnesses of all things which He did, both in the land 
of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they slew and hanged on a 
tree." Him God raised up the third day and showed Him openly — 
not to all the people, but unto witnesses, chosen before of God ; even 
to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He arose from the 
dead." [Acts x. 39, 40,41.] 

We see, therefore, that those prophets and apostles, were God's 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 489 

elect : chosen before, predestined of Him to be witnesses of the death, 
resurrection and ascension of the Messiah. And that all those that be- 
lieved God's word through them might be saved. Hence, we see, 
when Christ was going to leave the world, He addressed the Father, 
saying: I have manifested thy name unto the men that thou gavest 
me out of the world, and I pray not that thou shouldest take them 
out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil ; and 
neither pray I for these alone, but for them also, which shall believe 
on me through thy word, that the Avorld may believe that thou hast 
sent me. (John xviii.) So, as Christ came into the world and died 
by appointment, to save sinners, being chosen or elected, so also, He 
has chosen or elected men, and commanded them to "go into all the 
world and preach the gospel to every creature, saying, he that be- 
lieveth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall 
be damned." (Mark xvi.) 

And, Saint Paul, speaking on the subject, goes on to show that Al- 
mighty God had laid down a plan to gather together all thiugs in 
Christ, thus exclaims: "Blessed be the God and Father ofour Lord Jesus 
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly 
places in Christ, according as He hath chosen us in Him before the 
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame 
before Him in love; that in the dispensation of the fullness of time, 
He might gather together in one, all things in Christ" (Eph. i. 1-2.) 
It is, therefore, through the agency of these holy men, whom God hath 
chosen, that the word of life is preached to sinners. And not only the ap- 
ostles, but the Lord has had, and now has ministers of hisown choice 
whom He has chosen or elected to preach to sinners, and to gather 
them unto Christ, that they mey believe and be saved. And sinners 
are under as great an obligation to obey the Word of God by the 
mouth of His messengers as if God called Himself un^to them. Be- 
cause they are God's chosen instruments for this purpose ; and those 
that believed or trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the 
Gospel of your salvation, ye were sealed with that holy spirit of 
promise and made an heir of God and a joint heir with the Lord 
Jesus Christ; therefore being made an equal heir with Christ, the 
believer becomes one with Christ, one with His apostles, one with 
the ministers of reconciliation, and consequently the whole mass of 
evangelical believers are called God's elect ; therefore it is said, He 
shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they 
shall gather together His elect from the four winds from one end of 
heaven to the other." (Matt. xxiv ; ) 

The believer being thus united to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, 
the declaration is, he shall be saved with an everlasting salvation, 
for He saith, "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never 
perish." And again, "Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ 
in God, and when Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye 
also appear with Him in glory, and be put in possession of that in- 
heritance that is incorruptible and undeflled, and that fadeth not 
away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of 
62 



490 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

God, ready to be revealed in the last time." [Gal. iii., also 2 Peter i.] 
It is said by some, that the believer may be a chid of God to-day, 
beloved of his Redeemer, and on his way to heaven ; and to-morrow 
he may lose his religion, fall from grace, and go to eternal perdition 
at last. Away with such an idea from the earth ! The believer, be- 
coming one with Christ, by drinking into the same spirit, he is 
called the seed of David ; that is, our spiritual David which is 
Christ — hence the language of Almighty God : "Once have I sworn 
by my holiness that I will not lie unto David (or Christ) that his 
seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before me." 
[Psalms lxxxix. 35, 36.] 

Again we hear Christ saying, "I am the good shepherd ; I lay 
down my life for the sheep, and I give unto them eternal life and 
they shall never perish ; neither shall any pluck them out of my 
hand ; and my Father who is greater than all, gave them me, and 
none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." [John x.] 
Hence we see the plan of Almighty God in saving sinners, and 
bringing them into eternal rest at His right hand, where they shall 
enjoy His peaceful presence throughout long eternity. But when 
we view the goodness of God in man's redemption, in sea ding His 
Son into the world to die for men, and also calling men of like pas- 
sions with ourselves to go to the impenitent sinner and call upon 
him to repent, and he, like Pharaoh of old, refuse to obey, we are 
often constrained to cry out and say, "How long, O, Lord, will Thy 
goodness and forbearance and long suffering continue with t)ie im- 
penitent sinner?" For He willeth not the death of the sinner, and 
though after long striving with such an individual, after trying him 
with the various incitements which are best calculated to stir a ra- 
tional creature and agitate an immortal mind, God maj withdraw 
all the aids of the spirit, and so give him over to hardness of heart 
and reprobacy of mind, to work out his own destruction with greed- 
iness, as in the case of the Egyptian King of whom it is said, "God 
hardened his heart;" and when the expression is repeated so as to 
make a continual and onward hardening, we have no other idea of 
the meaning than that God, moved by the obstinacy of Pharaoh, 
withdrew from him all the restraints of His grace, and as those re- 
straints were more and more removed, the heart of the King was 
more and more hardened. We look upon the instance as a precise 
illustration of the truth, that "whatsoever a man soweth that shall 
he also reap." The King sowed obstinacy, and consequently reaped 
obstinacy. The seed was put into the soil, and nothing more was 
required than that it should be left to vegetate and act out its own 
nature, to wit : infidelity. This was the seed sown by the Egyptian 
King, when he rejected the miracles and disobeyed the commands 
of the Almighty, who sent His elected or chosen servant, to wit : 
Moses, saying : "Let my people go," which grew into a greater de- 
gree of hardness and persisting on in his rebellion, he was over- 
thrown with his army and perished in the sea. 

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 491 

arise with healing in His wings; and yon shall be mine when I 
come to make np my jewels, and I will spare them as a man spareth 
his own son that serveth him, saith the Lord of hosts. 

Finally, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the union 
and communion of His Holy Spirit be with His elect children for- 
ever more. Amen. 

Thine to serve in all good things. Dove Pannell. 

October 24th. 1854. 



Phillips, Elder Gabriel was a member of Friendship 
church, and delegate to the Broad River Association at its 
session in 1819, then a licensed preacher. He was ordained 
to the full work of the ministry sometime during that or the 
next year, and was a delegate to the next sessions of 1820- 
'21-'22-'23-'24-'25-'26-'27, at which last session he was 
chosen Moderator of the body. At the previous session 
(1826) he was appointed by the Association to prepare a 
Circular Letter on the subject of Intemperance, which we 
here reproduce in this work as a memento. 

We are without information as to the birth or demise 
of Elder Phillips, but as there is no notice of his death in 
the Minutes of the body, we presume he emigrated in his 
old age to some other State or field of labor. He appears 
to have been a prominent minister of the Gospel in the time 
he lived. And his views, which are embodied in the letter 
he wrote on Intemperance, are certainly very sound, and 
should be put into practice by all those who would lead quiet 
and orderly lives, and desire the furtherance of the Gospel 
of Christ : 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The Broad River Baptist Association, to the Churches in Union — 

Greeting : 

Dear Brethren : — Intemperance, that bane of society — that great 
moral sin — being the subject proposed for this Circular Letter, we 
will proceed to recount a few of its miseries. From the creation to 
the present day the world has by intemperance been involved in 
misery. Noah was a preacher of righteousness previous to intoxi- 
cation ; the righteous soul of just Lot was vexed from day to day at 
the deeds of the wicked, but he became intemperate and committed 
incest. Subsequent silence seems designed as a punishment of these 
two men, as the reward of their intemperance. Belshazzer, the 
great King of Babylon, by intemperance lost his kingdom and his 
life. Scriptural quotations on this subject might be multiplied, but 
as brevity is our intent these may suffice. But, beloved brethren, 
as the ages of the world have multiplied, the awful voice of intem- 
perance and its consequent direful effects have increased in a ten-fold 
ratio ; the present age might emphatically be styled the drunken 
age, so much does inebriety prevail. 



492 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

A late writer tells us that temperance, by fortifying the mind 
and body, leads to happiness ; intemperance, by enervating them, 
leads to misery ; and those who destroy a healthy constitution of 
body by intemperance, do as manifestly kill themselves as those 
who hang, poison or drown themselves. Virtue is no enemy to 
pleasure, but on the contrary is its most certain friend. Her office 
is to regulate our desires, that we may enjoy pleasures with modera- 
tion, and then our relish for them will continue. 

Some, alas ! have recourse to ardent spirits as a refuge from mis- 
fortune, but this is the most frail, the most broken of all reeds : the 
solace is short-lived ; every fresh dose makes way for another till the 
miserable wretch becomes the slave of his intoxication, and falls a 
sacrifice to his false medicine. How different the life of the wise, 
who rest their case on the stable hope of an all-wise Providence, 
who chastens whom he would amend, and afflicts whom he would 
exhalt ! Oye! who, by ardent liquid poison into your frames daily 
infused, madly dare to rush into the presence of your omnipotent 
Judge as in defiance of his wrath, reflect, O ! ere it be too late, reflect, 
and hurl the poisoning cup away ! 

That there is an hereafter, conscience, as though with powerful 
lungs, proclaims to all : then it must be an awful thing to die ! but 
still more to die by one's own hand ; for that daily intoxication is 
mature, deliberate suicide, every* one in his senses will surely allow. 
Remember that use, custom and habit are but synonymous terms 
for the thing called second nature ; that this second nature is, than 
our first, more stubborn, more difficult to be subdued. Remember 
also, that by little, unsuspecting beginnings, murderous inebriety 
usurps her reign ; then resist her first advances, beware of her be- 
witching smiles that would allure you to her fatal grasp. 

Those w T ho pride themselves on living fast, and are bent on a 
short and merry life, as they call it (though we should term it a mis- 
erable one,) may spurn at these admonitions and rush headlong to 
their own destruction ; but let them beware, for the da} 7- of retribu- 
tion is at hand, their short-lived imaginary pleasures are the certain 
avenues to eternal, real pains. If. when we died, we ceased to be — 
if death were nothing but a return to the barren womb of nothing 
whence w T e sprung — then might the wretch, weary of life and by 
sorrow^ worn, give misery the slip and steal from being when he 
pleased ; but even in that case why not prefer the halter or the 
knife? Why die by inches? Why make daily attempts on one's 
own life by murderous, liquid fire ? No reason why, but that wick- 
edness is abroad in the land ; and in our own land proverbially so, 
we blushingly subscribe to the proverb. 

Societies have been recently established in our different seaports 
for the suppression of intoxication ; medicines have been publicly 
vended and dispensed throughout the union, the benign effects of 
which, 'tis said, will deter the tippling maniac and bid him sin no 
more. Amen ! say we, to the successful issues of these humane 
efforts : and let us, dear brethren, unite in earnest supplication to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 493 

-Hie great Creator, that His creatures may cease to defile the image 
of their Make]- by brutal sensuality, as in that image they were cre- 
ated ; and verily we say unto them that in brutalizing the creature, 
they heinously offend the. Creator. Gabriel Phillips. 

October 19th, 1827. 



Posey, Eld*er Humphrey is claimed by some as having 
once been a member of the Broad River Association about 
the year 1806, but we do not find from the Minutes that he 
-ever was. But inasmuch, as he performed a great deal of 
ministerial labor within the bounds of the Broad River As- 
sociation, in the character of an Evangelist, or Missionary, 
-about that time, we have thought proper to copy from Dr. 
Cathcart^s Encyclopedia, the following account of him: 

"Rev Humphre}' Posey, an eminent Baptist minister, was dis- 
tinguished for his benevolent spirit and great abilities. He was 
above the ordinary size with a large frame, and a fine face and head. 
Born in Henry county, Va., January 12th, 1780 he commenced 
preaching in lS03,and was ordained in 1805, in Buncombe county, N. 
<J., and, among others, preached to the Cherokee Indians. He was 
regularly appointed a missionary to the Cherokees at Valley Town, 
in North Carolina, by the Baptist Mission Board, of Philadelphia. 
in 1817, and maintained his connection with the mission until 1824, 
■accomplishing great good. In 182-1 he settled in Cherokee, Ga , and 
•became a very successful agent for the Hearn School, relieving it of 
much pecuniary embarassment. In 1844, he married a second time, 
nud removed to Newman, where he died, Dec. 28th, 1846. Dr. J. H. 
Campbell in his Georgia Baptist records it 'as his deliberate convic- 
tion that Humphrey Posey was naturally one of the greatest men, 
and for his limited opportunities, one of the greatest preachers he 
has ever known. His person, his countenance, his. voice, the throes 
of his gigantic mind, the conceptions of his large christian soul, all 
proclaimed him great.' The first time Dr. Campbell ever met him 
was at the Georgia Baptist Convention, in 1835, near Penfield, and 
the doctor says, 'such men as Mercer, Sanders, Dawson'. Thornton, 
Mallary, Brooks, and others were there, but Posey was a giant among 
them all.' Dr. C. D. Mallary wrote and published a 'Life of Hum- 
phrey Posey.' 



Postox, Elder Robert was born in Cleveland countv, 
X. C, February 4th, 1825. Converted in early life, and in 
1852, appeared in the session of the King's Mountain Asso- 
ciation as a licensed preacher and delegate from the Double 
Springs church. In that same year he was ordained to the 
full work of the gospel ministry. And again in 1853-'54-'55, 
was a delegate and ordained minister from the same church 
to the Association. He then intermarried with Miss Julia 



494 . BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

London, an estimable young lady of his own county, and 
joined Zion church by letter, and was chosen pastor also of 
the same church. In 1857, he appears on the minutes as- 
pastor and delegate from the same church, which relation- 
ship he continued to fill for a number of years. In 1866, he 
was chosen moderator of the Association, and prepared the 
Circular Letter on Temperance, which was adopted by the 
Association the next year. He has been pastor of several 
of the King's Mountain churches for limited periods, and is- 
now we believe pastor of Mount Harmony church, while his- 
membership is still with the Zion church. 

Elder Poston as a hard laboring tiller of the soil, and 
by frugality and industrious habits has reared a large family , 
and lives well at home. He has one son laboring in the 
ministry within the bounds of the Green River Association. 
Elder Kobert Poston 's scholastic advantages have been but 
moderate. He has, however, labored hard to educate him- 
self, since he engaged in ministerial work, and besides being 
orthodox in the faith, he has made great improvements in 
preaching the gospel, and is held in great esteem for his- 
godly walk and conversation. Subjoined is the circular let- 
ter prepared by him on Temperance, which we have thought 
proper to reproduce. 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The King' 1 s Mountain Baptist Association — To the Churches in Union, 

sendeth Christian Salutation — Greeting : 

Dear Brethren : — In compliance with an act of the last year's 
council, we address you a short Circular Letter, ou the subject of 
Temperance. In writing upon a subject that has employed both the 
talent and the pens of so many wise and good men, we are at a non 
plus — not knowing how to present the subject in any new light, or 
add any new interest — but perhaps we can "stir up your pure minds, 
by way of remembrance," if nothing more. 

Temperance, in a Scriptural sense, is a principal that acts upon 
the passions, and so controls them as to keep them in subjection to 
the laws of moderation and prudence, and by which we are enabled 
to abstain from all things pernicious, and to use in moderation all 
things lawful and expedient, — in doing of which it acts in such 
close connection with the other christian graces that the Apostle 
Peter would have those who had escaped the corruption that is in 
the world, through lusts, to add it (in common with the other 
graces) to their faith : when he says, 4k And besides this, giving all 
diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to temperance patience, and 
to patience godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness 
charity." These all being so dependent, one upon the other, that no 
one of them can have its perfect work without the others ; and as 
faith sweetly works by love, and purifies the heart, so temperance 
gently works by moderation and prudence, and thereby governs the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 495 

passions.; and as faith operated on the mind in renovating our na- 
tures, so temperance acts upon the passions in regulating our actions. 

The observance of temperance isoneof the works of which James 
speaks, when he says . "Show me thy faith without thy works, and 
I show thee my faith by my works." Again, "As the body without 
the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." While it is 
the business of faith to control the outward man — and we are not to 
•be judged according to our faith, but according to our works — there- 
fore it is that by works faith is made perfect. 

Temperance is both a principle and a virtue ; for while Peter 
speaks of it as a principle, Paul speaks of it as a virtue, and as one 
of the fruits of the spirit. For he, after pointing out to the brethren 
•at Galatia, the manifest works of the flesh, such as emulations, strife, 
hatred, murders, drunkenness, and such like deeds of unbridled 
sensual indigencies, adds "that they that do such things, shall not 
inherit the Kingdom ot Heaven." "But the fruit of the Spirit is 
love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek- 
ness, temperance," and says against such holy dispositions there is 
no law. Hence, as a principle, it acts upon the passions, and produces 
s moderation and prudence, and is tantamount to a good regulator of 
society. 

Having thus in a few words defined this complex term, we 
would say that we should not have such contracted views of temper- 
ance as to think it respects the appetite only. We are striving for 
the mastery over all our sensual propensities, that we may obtain an 
incorruptible crown. Temperance was honored by the example of 
our Savior, who also taught it by precept, and after speaking of the 
last day, and of the final dissolution of ail things, says : "Take heed 
to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with sur- 
feiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day 
come upon you unawares. Again He reproved the Pharisees for 
their intemperance and hvpocrisy and said : "Woe unto you Scribes 
and Pharisees, hypocrites, for ye pay tithes of mint, anise, and cum- 
min, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, 
mercy and faith ; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the 
others undone ; ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat and swallow 
a camel, ye make clean the outside of the cup and platter, but within 
they are full of extortion and excess." The apostle Paul would 
recommend this principle to Titus, when he said : "But speak thou 
the things that become sound doctrine, that the aged men be sober, 
grave, temperate ; likewise exhort the young men to be sober-mind- 
ed, for the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all 
men, teaching us that denying ungodly and worldly lusts we should 
live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world." The 
apostle Petej- insists upon the practice of this virtue, saying for the 
time past of our life may suffice to have wrought the will of the Gen- 
tiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revel- 
ings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries." And again he says, 
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain 



4% BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." We are also admon„ 
ished, in the exercise of prudence; to abstain from all appearance of 
evil, and to let our moderation be known unto all men." Many 
other Scriptures might be adduced to sustain this principle, but we 
deem it unnecessary, and would now urge the necessity of the ob- 
servance of this principle upon all men, and especially the young, 
as a safeguard against the baneful influences of turbulent passions ; 
it is both the armament and defence of the christian, and is requi, 
site in every situation and in every enterprise, and upon all occa- 
sions ; without it we are exposed to all the merciless waves of intem- 
perance, without an anchor. Let us therefore "use the world as not 
abusing it," showing all good fidelity, that we may adorn the doc- 
trine of God our Savior in all things, looking for that blessed hope r 
and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Savior, Jesus 
Christ. 

Brethren, we commend you to God, and to the word of His grace?, 
who is able to build you up, and give you an inheritance with them 
that are sanctified. May grace be with you all. Amen. 

Robert Poston. 
September 16th, 1867. 

Pursely, Elder Thomas King is a native of York coun- 
ty, S.C. Born about the year 1814. Professed conversion 
about 1836, and was licensed to preach soon afterward. He 
was ordained to the full work of the ministry about the year 
1838. Joined the Antioch church by letter, and was chosen 
pastor that year, and was sent as one of her delegates to the 
Broad River Association at Green River church. In 1839 
he was chosen pastor of Long Creek, Zoar and Mount Ara- 
rat, and represented Antioch in the session of the Association 
that year, and again in 1840. About this time he married the 
daughter of Elder Spencer Morgan, and transferred his 
membership to Providence church, where he labored as 
joint pastor of the church with his father-in-law. He after- 
wards joined Corinth church, and still continued a member 
of the Association from Corinth until 1850. He then moved 
to the State of Georgia, and connected himself with the Bap- 
tist brotherhood of that State, where, after laboring in the 
ministry for a time, had the misfortune to lose the use of one 
of his arms, which finally withered away. 

Elder Pursely was an uneducated minister, and of mod- 
erate preaching talent. In the first, or early part of his 
ministry, he manifested a great deal of zeal in the discharge 
of his ministerial duties, and sometimes succeeded in waking 
up a good deal of interest in the cause of religion, and he 
baptized a number of converts into the fellowship of the 
churches where he labored. 

We believe that he yet lives, and labors in the cause of 
the Master; and although he is doubtless beginning to feel 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 497 

the infirmities of age and decrepitude, yet we hope, through 
the. Providence of God, lie may yet be spared to accomplish 
more than ever in the cause of Christ. 



QuiNj Bro. Hugh was a member of Buffalo church, 
York county, S. 0. At the session of the Broad River As- 
sociation in 1820 he made his first appearance in the body 
at Mountain Creek as a lay delegate. He again appeared 
in the body in like manner in 1822 at Mount Zion church, 
and in the session of 182-3 at Reedy River he appeared as a 
delegate and licensed preacher. The same in 1824 at First 
Broad River, and Buffalo in 1825, Macedonia in 1826, and 
Xew Prospect in 1827. At this latter session he was elected 
Clerk of the Association, and at the last previous session he 
was appointed to write a Circular Letter on Law and Grace s 
which we reproduce, out of regard to the memory of Bro. 
Quin. Soon after the session of 1827 he emigrated to the 
State of Georgia, where we suppose he continued to exercise 
in the ministration of the Word. He was a very good En- 
glish scholar, and fluent speaker; but, we believe that dur- 
ing his seven or eight }<ears connection with the Broad River 
Association, he was never ordained to the full work of the 
gospel ministry. We have heard him preach and lecture, 
on baptismal occasions, (we thought) with considerable 
ability. He married Mrs. Fannie Allison, nee Miss Fannie 
Carruth, and lived several years on Main Broad river, at 
the crossing of Main Broad river now known as Ellis' Ferry, 
but then known as Quin's Ferry. He w r as a well to do far- 
mer and good citizen, of very respectable connections, a 
large number of whom emigrated to the Southwest before 
he did, and have amassed wealth and distinction in the 
homes of their adoption. Hugh Quin is a son of Peter 
Quin who, with Abraham Collins [being loyalists] was en- 
trusted with a dispatch from Maj. Patrick Ferguson, then 
at Gilberttown, in Rutherford county, N. C, to Lord Corn- 
wallis, at Charlotte, jST. C, to send him succor, which they 
failed to deliver in time to prevent his destruction at King's 
Mountain on 7th of October, 1780. Hugh Quin was prob- 
ably born four or five years after that period of time. 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The Broad River Baptist Association, to the Churches in Union — 

Greeting : 

Dear Brethren: — We address you this year on the subject of 
Law and Grace, distinguished. In the prosecution of this subject, 
we shall give a brief explanation of what is meant by law, and en- 
deavor to explain its office. Secondly, we shall explain the term, 
grace, and show its office, and mark the distinction by way of con- 
clusion. 

63 



498 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Law, in its most general and comprehensive sense, signifies a 
rule of action, and is applied indiscriminately to all to whom it is 
considered to be given, as that rule of action which is prescribed by 
some superior, and which the inferior is bound to obey Thus, 
when God created matter out of nothing, and formed the universe, 
he impressed certain principles upon its component matter from 
which it can never depart, and without which it would cease to be. 
And on putting that matter into motion he established certain laws 
of motion to which all movable bodies must conform. In like man- 
ner when He made man to inhabit the universe, He gave him a law 
or laws which, so long as they were observed, were realized by man 
to be "Holy, just and good," because they were and are the eternal 
rule of right, by which the Deity determined to act, but as soon as 
they were violated his original happiness ceased to be. 

The particular laws mentioned in the Scriptures are, 1st : The 
moral law ; 2nd, the ceremonial, and 3rd, the judicial, — to which 
might be added the law of nature and reason, which the Gentile 
world had before the written law had ever reached them. And it is 
matter of great moment properly to distinguish the several laws, in 
order to a proper understanding of the Scriptures ; but as we have 
not sufficient room here to make those distinctions, we shall confine 
ourselves to the moral law, in which consists our duty towards God 
and each other. But how unavailing is the tongue and pen of man 
to give an adequate idea of the law of a God of attributes and per- 
fections so infinite and transcendent! God Himself has, in great 
condescension and mercy, taken care to engage our attention to its 
importance by His manner of introducing it into the world. [Exo- 
dus, 19th chap.] 

1st, Three days in preparing the Israelites, and engaging their 
attention to receive it. 2nd, Supernatural thunder and lightning, 
and a thick cloud. 3rd, the voice of the trumpet exceedingly loud, 
making all the people in the camp to tremble. 4th, Mount Sinai 
covered with smoke. 5th, the Lord descended upon it in. fire, and 
the whole Mount from the summit to the base greatly quaked ; and 
6th, the mere mount, from which it was given, was so sacred that it 
was immediate death for any but Moses and Aaron to touch it. 

If its promulgation be thus tremendous and awful, how awfully 
tremendous and terrible must that law itself be, which is armed 
with incomprehensible vengeance ! demands perfect and perpetual 
obedience, and hurls the thunder of its curses down upon a law- 
violating world. [Gal. iii. 10.] 

Hy this law is the knowledge of sin, as sin consists in auy vio- 
lation of the law, or any want of conformity to it. Where there is 
no law there is no transgression (or sin ;) without sin no death, as 
death is the wages of sin ; and as death reigned from Adam to Moses, 
we conclude that this law was made known to man from Adam to 
Moses, though not declared to the world in so conspicuous a man- 
ner. And the Gentiles, who had not the written law, ''were a law 
unto themselves,' 7 and violated a law for w^ich they stood condemn- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 499 

ed. "They that have sinned without law, shall perish without 
law." Rum. i. 12. From these premises we draw die conclusion 
that mankind generally have sufficient knowledge of the substance 
of this law to be condemned for the violation of it. 

But nowhere are we informed in the Sacred Scriptures that 
man's compliance with this law can give life, since he is fallen 
under its curse and penalty, which is death. Moreover, no mere 
man since the fall has been able to keep the law ; and if there 
should be one found that could comply with its requisitions, it could 
not save his soul since, "by the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be 
justified in the sight of God.' 7 The law is the broad rule that dis- 
tinguishes betwixt right and wrong; and as all who in a state of 
nature are wrong, the law is evidently designed to ascertain the case 
of poor guilty sinners, and show 7 them their condemnation. 

But the fulfillment of this law is in the Son of God, the Savior 
of poor, guilty and condemned sinners. The requisitions of the 
law are complied with, and its penalty paid in the obedience and 
death of Christ, and through the atonement by him made for his 
people, grace pours like a stream to relieve and eternally save every 
guilty sinner, who comes to Christ with full sincerity of heart, and 
prays aright for life and salvation. "The law came by Moses, but 
grace and truth came by Jesus Christ-" But grace must be received 
as grace ; that is, as the free and unmerited gift of God, which alone 
can save us, and it is in its nature as unconditional as it is free, and 
could not be free if conditional. If it were not so the compliance 
with a stipulated condition would purchase it; and a purchased gift 
is a solecism in terms, which brings us to the irresistible conclusion 
that salvation is not merited by poor, unholy man, either in whole 
or in part. But by pure, unmixed, heavenly and divine grace are ' 
ye saved through faith, which is productive of good works. The 
atoning blood of Christ is the meritorious cause — faith in Him, the 
vehicle through which it is conveyed to the soul, and good works 
its declarative evidence. The law condemning the sinner for having 
violated, and continuing in the violation of it, and passes the sent- 
ence of death upon him. 

But oh! view the contrast between law and grace. Grace 
through Jesus Christ brings to the soul a satisfaction of that law by 
Him our surety — with the surety and satisfaction by Him made for 
His people. God is well pleased— calls not upon us to do the works 
of the law and live, but to repent, believe, be baptized and saved — 
in obedience, but not for it. The law in its spiritual office shows 
the heart of man to be in its very essence, violation, rebellion and 
enmity against God and His law. Grace changes the heart to com- 
pliance, submission and love to God and His laws. Yet the law is 
not made void through faith, but rather established for the soul that 
realizes the pardoning grace and love of God — through Christ "de- 
lights in the law of God after the inward man," and desires to make 
it his "rule of action." Yet he is not under the law, but under 
grace, therefore sin shall not have dominion over him. Grace de- 



5C0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

throned the law, as to its condemning power, and "reigns through 
righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord." 

O ! Prince of Peace, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Creator 
of Heaven and earth, Law-giver and Law-satisrier, Son of God, and 
Savior of sinners! give us more and more of that grace which 
chooses, effectually calls, quickens, convicts, pardons, unites to 
Christ, justifies, sanctifies, and takes to glory Thy beloved people. 
Let us live to the glory or' God while on earth, and in Heaven be 
capacitated to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, forever and 
ever. Amen. Hugh Quix. 

October 18th, 132(3. 



Rainwaters, Elder James appeared first in the Broad 
River Association in 1822, as a lay delegate from Philadel- 
phia church, at the session of the body held that year at 
Mount Zion church. Pie again appeared in the body at 
Head of First Broad River, in 1824, and again in 1825, at 
the session at Buffalo, still as a layman. He was ordained 
to the ministry in 1826, and still represented Philadelphia in 
the different sessions until 1837, preaching the introductory 
sermon at Zion in 1836. We copy the following from Elder 
Bennett's history in reference to Elder Rainwaters : 

"James Rainwaters, a pious, zealous, and efficient minister, was 
at this time attaining considerable notoriety in the Association. He 
moved to the State of Georgia, about the year 1838. He is still living, 
and I suppose is seventy-five years of age." 

Elder Barnetfs work was prepared in 1871, or twelve 
years ago. So that if Elder Rainwaters still lives, he is now 
about 87 years of age, and may be called an octogenarian. 

We were acquainted with Elder Rain waters, and have fre- 
quently heard him preach, and considered him a very attrac- 
tive and good preacher. He, however, had a peculiar way 
of preaching apparentlj- to only a part of his congregation. 
He scarcely ever changed the position he first took in the 
pulpit, until he got through with the discussion of his sub- 
ject. This peculiarity very often induced some of the mem- 
bers of his congregations to express some surprise that the 
preacher should not honor them with a part of the discourse. 

Personal Appearance. — Elder James Rainwaters was 
of medium size, dark hair, a little tinged with red, sandy 
beard, a massive forehead, blue eyes, and pleasant and affable 
manners; had a quick and active movement, lively and jovial 
in company, and generally greatly admired. 



Ramsour, Elder Philip is a native of Lincoln county, 
N. C. Born about the year 1784, of German parentage. 
Married in early life to Miss Sallie Summey, with whom he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 501 

lived happily many years, and reared a family of several chil- 
dren. Notwithstanding he was brought up in the Lutheran 
persuasion, yet, he embraced Baptist principles, and having 
moved into the bounds of the Broad River Association, he 
joined the church at Buffalo, and at the session of the Asso- 
ciation in 1820, he was a lay delegate from his church, and 
again in 1822. Ln 1825 he again appeared in the Associa- 
tion from Buflalo, as a delegate and licensed preacher, and 
.again in 1826 and 1827. From 1828 to 1837 he appears in 
the Minutes of the Association as an ordained minister and 
delegate from Buffalo church. He was probably ordained 
to the full work of the ministry in 1828. And having lost 
the companion of his bosom by death, and finding it not 
good to be alone, he intermarried with Miss Mary Rhodes, 
who proved to be an affectionate help meet to him in the 
toils of life. In 1828-'29-'30 and '31 he was elected clerk 
of the Association. And again in 1834-'35 and 36, he 
duties of which, it is said, he discharged with much satisfac- 
tion. At the session of 1832 he was appointed to prepare a 
Circular Letter, on themethodto be pursued to keep the JJnity of 
the Spirit in the bonds of peace, which, out of respect for 
the memory of Elder Kamsour, is here reproduced in this 
work, which will doubtless be read with interest, and we 
hope with profit. 

Elder Ramsour was a pious and strictly temperate man; 
and while remarking about his being temperate, it brings to 
our recollection an anecdote we once heard about one of the 
disciples of Bacchus, accosting him while a good deal under 
the influence of the "critter," and complimenting him for 
the kindness he had done him "in converting his soul." 
"Yes," said Elder Ramsour, "this looks very much like some 
of my work. If God had converted you, and not I, the pros- 
pect would have been much better." He emigrated to Geor- 
gia in 1837, and while laboring in the Lord's vineyard, in 
July, 1842, he died in the pulpit, fully harnessed in the great 
cause he had been so long endeavoring to propagate, and 
which he loved so dearly. 

Elder Ramsour was also a physician on the botanic sys- 
tem of practice, and rendered much service in nursing the 
sick. 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The Broad River Baptist Association, to the Churches of which she 

is composed, sendeth christian salutation. 

Beloved Brethren : — According to appointment at our last Asso- 
ciation, we now address you on "the method to be pursued to keep 
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." 

We consider the subject as one of great importance to the church 



502 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

as a collective body, and also to the individuals of which the body 
is composed, as much of their happiness and prosperity depends- 
both in the understanding the subject and acting out in their lives- 
what is understood. 

By unity we understand union, concord, agreement, many uni- 
ted in one, &c. This is applicable to the church, consisting of many 
members, yet but one body, of which Christ is the head, — in whom 
the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that, which 
every joint supplieth according to the effectual working in the meas- 
ure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of 
itself in love, and, being renewed in the spirit of their mind by the 
operation of the Spirit of God, are brought willingly to give them- 
selves to the Lord, and unto one another by the will of God ; and of 
such it is said : "I will give them one heart and one way ; and I will 
be their God and they shall be my people. This, although called a 
mystical union, is nevertheless one which is abundantly testified in 
the Word of God, and one which cannot be affected in any part 
without more or less affecting the whole ; and considering this union 
under the notion of the union of a natural body, it will be seen that 
there is not only a necessity for the existence of all the parts to con- 
stitute a perfect system — embracing beauty, strength and symmetry 
of proportion — but it is also necessary that every part should be re- 
garded as important in point of action, "for the body is not one 
member, but many." 

Having said a sufficiency on this glorious union, we shall in the 
next place say something relative to its preservation. And first, as 
this body is composed of man3^ members, we would say that every 
member should not only be satisfied with the part they may form of 
this mystical body, but that every one should "stand in their place 
round about the camp," and be ready and willing to discharge, as 
with the ability that God giveth, whatever the Lord in His Word 
enjoins on them, and in order that every one may learn their 
place, and the duties therewith connected, we should recommend 
them to search the Scriptures with prayeriul attention and inquiry : 
"Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ?" and "what shall I render 
unto the Lord lor all His benefits towards me?" 

Secondly. The method to be pursued to keep the unity of the 
Spirit in the bond of peace, consists in refraining from "walking in 
the counsel of the ungodly, stauding in the way of sinners, and sit- 
ting in the scorner's seat,' 1 and, in a word, avoiding every appear- 
ance of evil. W T e should not only do this, but also should be both 
ready and willing to discharge all that the Lord Jesus has enjoined 
on His followers in general, and also the duties that may be con- 
nected with our stations in particular, for our happiness does not 
consist in knowing only, but doing. 

We will name a few things. We should put off the old man 
with his deeds, "for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die : but if ye, 
through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." 
We should walk in newness of life, "for if we have been planted to- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 503 

gether m the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness 
of His resurrection." And as we are beset and opposed by three 
grand and powerful enemies, the world, ihe flesh and the devil, 
who are combined together to lead us astray, and destroy our union 
and peace, we should be constantly engaged in watchfulness and 
prayer to God for His spirit and grace, to enable us to withstand 
temptation and "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are 
called "Walk in love as children of light, and have no fellowship 
with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, and 
he not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the 
Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual 
songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." 
And as there are different situations in life, such as parents and 
children, husbands and wives, masters and servants, we should 
occupy our several stations in the way that the Lord has directed 
us in His Word, that it may redound to His honor and glory, and 
the peace and comfort of our souls. 

We will now speak of our standing as members of the church, 
and our duties to God and to one another. There is an invisible 
church and a visible one ; being born again of the Spirit of God by 
the word (John iii. '6 ; 1 Pet- i. 23) alone can constitute us members 
of the church. A profession of faith in Christ, with a submission 
to the ordinance of baptism, will entitle us to the privileges of the 
church, and we thereby become members of the visible church ; but 
this will avail us nothing in the trying day, unless we have in fact 
experienced the work of the Spirit of God upon our souls. And 
here it is necessary that we have "one Lord, one faith, one Baptism," 
to form a lasting and happy union. But there are many things 
which are calculated to cause divisions and destroy this union, 
which should be carefully avoided. The church at Corinth was re- 
proved, and the brethren were called carnal, because one said, "I 
am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos " We believe similar 
things may and do exist at this time, and should be guarded 
against ; for thej cause divisions and interrupt that union and peace 
which is so desirable. We would esteem the ministers of Christ as 
His servants and ours, for His sake, and conduct ourselves accord- 
ingly ; but give the glory to God, and say send, by whom Thou wilt 
send. It is not uncommon for different sentiments to exist, as it 
respects things pertaining to godliness ; we should labor for union 
in this, by reading God's Word, and form our sentiments by the 
Word instead of forming them without that unerring rule, or upon 
a wrong understanding of it, and then try to bend the rule to fit our 
opinions. W r e should attend strictly to the Word of God and the 
guidance of His spirit for our faith and practice — not forsaking the 
assembling of ourselves together, but exhort one another to love and 
good works ; esteeming each other better than ourselves, confessing 
our faults to one another, and pray with and for one another, and 
avoid persons and things that cause divisions and contentions 
among us ; pursue a principle of love to God and to one another ; 



504 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

having two things in view — the honor and glory of God, and the 
peace and comfort of His people ; you will then realize "how good 
and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." We 
do not write these things because you do not know them, but be- 
cause you do know them ; and to "stir up your pure minds by put- 
ting you in remembrance." And if ye know these things, happy 
are ye if ye do them. 

We have had a pleasant meeting. We desire to thank God for 
the union, harmony and brotherly love with which the business of 
the Association has been couducted. We must come to a close. 
May the God of all grace bless you and enable you to keep the unity 
of the spirit in the bond of peace, is the prayer of yours in Gospel 
bonds. Philip Ramsour. 

October 18th, 1833. 



Rice, Elder Thomas S. appears as an ordained minister 
and delegate from Wolf's Creek church, to the Broad River 
Association in 1833, and again in 1835, from Cross Roads 
church. We can trace him no farther in the minutes at sub- 
sequent sessions. We suppose, after serving as pastor of Cross 
Roads one year he moved to some other field of labor. 



Richards, Elder Joshua is reported to be a native 
North Carolinian, and came well recommended to Goucher 
Creek church, about the year 1800, and joined that church 
by letter, and was chosen their pastor for upward of twenty 
years. Elder Barnett says: "he was a very plain man in his 
manners, and a very efficient minister in his day. I remem- 
ber that he used to delight in singing his favorite song: 'Lead 
me to the rock that is higher than I,' and when he would 
come to that part of the song, he would throw up both hands 
and say with great emphasis : '•Lead me to the rock that is high- 
er than J."'" 

One of his singularities as a man was, that though he 
possessed a considerable amount of property, and kept good 
horses, yet he did the most of his- traveling on foot. He 
used to tell, in an amusing way, that the horse he rode (allud- 
ing to his walking stick) never scared or stumbled. He said 
he rode that horse all the way to Florida and back, and the 
horse never ate nor drank during the time, as he knew of. 
Moreover, he was a very faithful horse in another respect — 
he would carry him into any man's yard, and if the dogs 
came at him he would commence kicking, and never stop 
until ever}- dog was gone. 

In person, Elder Richards was a very large man — not 
corpulent, but very coarse features, and possessing great 
physical strength. I think he lived to the age of about 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 505 

ninety years, and was very useful all his life as a minister, 
excepting some few of his last years, when his extreme old 
age had rendered him quite childish. 

Pie appeared in the Broad River Association in 1815 as 
a delegate from Providence church, but had represented 
Goucher Creek as far back as 1808, during, probably, all the 
years of his pastorate there. We knew old ''Daddy Rich- 
ards," as he was familiarly called, almost from our child- 
hood, and we understood he came among us as a slave-driver, 
and settled near to where Gatihey City is now situate, on the 
Air-Line Railroad; and after living there upwards ot forty 
years as a tanner and minister, he died in 1846, aged about 
ninety years. We find the following notice of his demise on 
the face of the Minutes of the Broad River Association, ses- 
sion of 1846 : 

"Resolved, That we notice on our Minutes the death of our be- 
loved brother, Elder Joshua Richards, who has died in extreme old 
age, since the last session of our Association." 

As a preacher, Elder Richards had a peculiar sort of 
declamation, partaking of the "sing-song" style, with a voice 
very loud and harsh, especially to ears polite or refined. He 
often called God to witness his assertions, in his harsh, God- 
Almighty style, which seemed to the hearers as almost de- 
famatory, and really a desecration of God's holy name — 
although certainly not so intended. On one occasion, after 
Elder Richards had preached, a Presbyterian lady inquired 
of us who that was that used so much profanity in the pul- 
pit. We assured her the remarks of the speaker was not 
intended to be so considered. She replied, that might be so, 
hut surely it had that appearance, and that kind of preaching 
could not be productive of much good, in which opinion we 
fully concurred. 

Elder Richards' singing, if any odds, was more objec- 
tionable to the ear than his preaching, having, as he had, a 
very harsh voice, and being entirely tuneless. At the Asso- 
ciations, or big meetings, he had a habit of strolling about 
through the congregations, and singing in his peculiar way, 
his favorite "Lead me to the rock," or "Jerusalem" songs; 
much to the amusement of the juvenile portion of the assem- 
blages. He would see that his songs afforded great amuse- 
ment, and he would sometimes say, "that he enjoyed his own 
sinking as well as any of them could enjoy theirs," which 
we have no doubt was the case, notwithstanding, the chords 
were not very harmonious. 

As a neighbor and citizen he was highly esteemed and 
beloved, and with one consent all believed him to be a chris- 
tian. Like all other men he had his foibles to contend with, 
64 



506 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and although he had been a dealer in slaves and had proba- 
bly amassed a fortune in the traffic, -yet the business under 
the then existing laws was strictly legal, if it was not expe- 
dient. The Scriptures of Eternal Truth did not seem to 
present any insuperable barrier to business ot that kind, 
although philanthropy and fellow-feeling, under a more cul- 
tivated and enlightened age of the world, seems now to revolt 
at the mere thought of such a practice. Elder Richards' 
works, like those of all christians will, in a coming day, be 
tried by fire. "If any man's work abide which he hath built 
thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work 
shall be burned, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be 
saved, yet so as by fire." How encouraging it is, humanly 
speaking, to be assured that all our toils and labors in a good 
cause, will in a coming day be rewarded! But oh ! how- 
vain it is to suppose that all our toils and sufferings in a bad 
cause shall ever be rewarded with the blessing of God ! Such 
must be burnt up, and we be the sufferers in the day when 
all our works shall be tried. How careful then ought we to 
be in giving proper direction to our footsteps, so as to keep 
them in the King's highway of holiness! 



Rollins, Elder George Washington is a native of 
Rutherford county (now Cleveland,) N. C, born August 7th, 
1828 5 converted inil845. Made his first appearance in the 
Broad River Association at its session at Buck Creek church 
in 1850, as a delegate and licentiate, from Mount Pleasant 
church. Was ordained to the full work of the Gospel min- 
istry in August, 1851, was in the organization of the King's 
Mountain Association Nov. 7th, 1851, and a delegate from 
the same church. Preached the introductory sermon before 
the body in 1853 ; changed his membership to Pleasant Hill 
church and was then chosen pastor of that church, also of 
Boiling Spring, Big Spring and Mount Pleasant ; preached 
the introductory sermon in 1855, chosen pastor this year at 
Wall's and Sandy Run, and appointed to prepare the Circu- 
lar Letter for 1856, on the subject of Repentance, which we 
reproduce in this work. 

In 1856 Elder Rollins transferred his membership to 
Sandy Run, and at the sessions of 1857-'58 was chosen to 
preside as Moderator over the deliberations of the Associa- 
tion, and again in 1862-'63, after preaching the introductory 
sermon the latter year. Elder Rollins has subsequently had 
honorable appointments conferred upon him by the Associ- 
ation, and this is only mentioned to show the estimate the 
brethren have made of his valuable services. Bro. Rollins 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 507 

joined the church in early life, and was baptized in the 17th 
year of his age. 

In the year 1851 he married Miss Mlianda J. Jenkins, 
who has proved a loving and affectionate help-meet to him 
in the journey of life. May they live together many more 
years happily, while laboring in the vineyard of the Lord. 
Elder Rollins has heretofore been a good pastor and faithful 
laborer in the ministration of the Word. May he still be 
spared to render yet more acceptable services in the cause of 
the Master, and have awarded him yet many more seals to 
his ministry. He is at present a member, we believe, of 
Concord church, Rutherford county, N. C, and the pastor 
thereof. 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The King's Mountain Baptist Association — To the CJwrches in Union. 

Dear Brethren : —According to last year's appointment, we ad- 
dress you this year on the subject of Repentance, which is by some 
lightly esteemed, but is nevertheless of such vital interest that it has 
claimed the attention of God, of angels, and of men, and will be the 
primary test of our future happiness in eternity. In entering upon 
this vast subject we would implore the Divine assistance of Him 
who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. 

We understand that there are two kinds of repentance, and 
they are contrary one to the other. One is true or evangelical — the 
other is false and delusive. One is unto life — the other is unto death. 
Evangelical repentance consists in four things, to-wit : conviction 
for sin — contrition for the same — confession of sin, and conversion 
from sin. Conviction leads its subjects to inquire for. a remedy, as 
did the jailer, when he said sirs. "What shall I do to be saved?" 
(Acts xvi. 30,) and also in the case of Saul when he trembled, say- 
ing : "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do V (See Acts ix. 6.) 

Contrition causes them to say like Job, "I abhor myself and 
repent," and with David when he said, "I will declare my iniquity, 
I will be sorry for my sins." (Psalms xxviii. 18.) 

This we understand to be that godly sorrow which worketh re- 
pentance to salvation — not to be repented of. The confession of sin 
causes them to say as David did, I acknowledge my sin unto thee. 
I will confess my transgression unto the Lord, and like the prodigal 
son, "I have sinned against Heaven and in thy sight, and am no 
more worthy to be called thy son." (See Luke xv. 21.) We also hear 
it said that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive our sins. 

Conversion from sin will enable them to say with the blind man 
"Wherein I was blind now I see;" and with Paul when he said, 
"the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from 
the law of sin and death" (Rom. viii. 2 ;) and like Job when he 
said, "I know that my Redeemer lives." 

Repentance is the first requirement of the Gospel, and was the 
first thing proclaimed by the messenger John, being sent from 



5C8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Heaven more than eighteen hundred years ago; for we learn that 
he was the voice of one crying in the wilderness and saying, "repent 
ye, and believe the Gospel" (Matt, iii.,) and when they repented he 
baptized them. It is to be remembered that he baptized those only 
who brought forth fruits meet for repentance, and rejected all others, 

The next messenger we read of is the Lord Jesus Christ, and He 
was also from Heaven. So we find that they were the first two 
messengers or preachers in the new dispensation, and they both 
preached the same thing, saying to the people : "Repent ye and be- 
lieve the Gospel, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." 

This we understand to be the setting up of that Kingdom which 
Dank.1 speaks of, which is to be an everlasting Kingdom. (See Dan. 
ii. 44.) So we find, that this Kingdom was set up or established by 
those Heavenly messengers just mentioned. The laws and regula- 
tions fixed according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge 
of God, and after this Jesus called men of like passion with our- 
selves, and they preached that men should repent ; and after His 
resurrection He commissioned them saying: "Thus it is written, 
and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the 
third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be 
preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem ;" 
so we understand that it is through God's ministers and church that 
the gift of repentance is to be conveyed to the perishiug nations of 
the earth, and with it the remission of sin, which will secure their 
eternal redemption. 

How careful then, should every true minister be, to obey the 
Divine injunction of his Master when he says, "Go ye," &c, remem- 
bering that it is by this means the nations are to be given to the Son 
as an inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for a possession. 
But w T e fear there are too many who profess to be ministers, who are 
saying, "Let me first accomplish some worldly gain or carnal pleas- 
ure," as was said by some anciently, "Let me first go and bury my 
father and bid them farewell at home." Such should remember 
that our Savior permitted them not, but said, "Go thou and preach 
the Kingdom of God." 

Every minister of Christ then, should go impressed with the 
weight and worth of perishing souls, and say by their words and 
actions, with Paul, "woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel," 
and it is not only the duty of God's ministers to go and preach repent- 
ance toward God, and faith in theLord Jesus Christ, but it is the duty 
of churches to help them go. They should help them by their prayers, 
and by their means in every w T ay they possibly can, but instead of 
this, many who profess Christianity oppose the spread of the gospel, 
which is the only means of life, but we hope the time is near at 
hand when every christian will have learned the great lesson that 
without faith it is impossible to please God, and begin to make the 
great inquiry, "how shall they hear without a preacher, and how 
shall they preach except they be sent." 

When we make this inquiry as we should do, we are led to con- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 509 

«clude that it is just as necessary that messengers be sent to teaeh 
them the plan of salvation now, as it was for John the Baptist to be 
sent from Heaven to preach repentance in the wilderness of Jiidea, 
.for in the language of the Eunuch, now can they understand except 
some one teach them? And again, it has pleased God by the fool- 
ishness of preaching to save them that believe. So we find that the 
Gospel is the only means of life to a lost world of sinners, and we do 
believe that every christian will say in eternity, "glory be to God," 
for it was by its teaching that I, was led to repentance, and by its 
power I am saved. 

Let us then as christians, shun every appearance of evil, and 
endeavor to abound in every good work, that those around us may 
•be constrained to glorify God, that we may rejoice together in eter- 
nity. 

Repentance is incumbent upon all, for we hear it said by Paul : 
"The times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth 
all men everywhere to repent," &c. (Acts xvii. 20.) This teaches us 
that all are sinners, and that without repentance not one can be 
saved ; "'for how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation ?" 
And again, "Without holiness no man can see the Lord," in peace. . 

So, dear brethren, we close our short letter by noticing the final 
•destiny of those who reject the counsel of God against themselves, 
and cry peace! peace! when there is no peace, as did those who con- 
tented themselves with passing sentence against the eighteen, upon 
whom the tower in Siloam fell, that they were sinners above all oth- 
ers ; but our Savior said to them : "I tell you nay, but except ye re- 
pent ye shall all likewise perish." So we find that all sinners must 
repent, or be inevitably lost. We would say with the poet then : 

"Repent, the voice celestial cries, 

Nor longer dare delay ; 
The wretch that scorns the mandate dies, 

And meets a fiery day." 

When God sent Jonah to preach totheNinevitesthey repented in 
=saeK -cloths and ashes, but when Jesus Christ stretched out his hand 
all the day long and says, repent and believe the Gospel that your 
sins may be blotted out, no man regards it, or at least, but few, and 
for this reason the men of Nineveh shall rise up at the judgment 
day with this generation, and shall condemn it, and why all this? 
Because they repented at the preaching of Jonah, a mere man, and 
behold a greater than Jonah is here ! Even the Lord of life and 
glory, and yet many regard Him not, for we hear Him say; "If I 
had not come and done among them the works which no other man 
ever did, they had not had sin, but now they have no cloak for their 
sin ;" so they are left without excuse, and it is written in their law, 
"they hated me without cause;" and we find that God "so loved 
the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever be- 
lieveth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." And 
we learn that He suffered and died to make a propitiation "for our 
sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world." 



SW BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

And this atonement is now offered to perishing sinners through the* 
medium of the Gospel ; and in this we find that Jesus Christ is in- 
terceding at the right hand of God for sinners, while His spirit is im 
the world pleading with them to repent, saying : come, for all things 
are now ready, and the church is pleading by her prayers, and God's- 
ministers are lifting up their voices like trumpets and saying, who- 
soever will, let him take the water of life freely. And angels in> 
Heaven are rejoicing over those that do repent ; for we understand 
that there is more joy in the presence of the angels of God over one- 
sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine just persons that 
need no repentance. And we learn that the rich man in hell plead 
for his five brethren, and desired that Lazarus be sent to warn them, 
to repent, but the answer was : they have Moses and the prophets ; 
if they hear not them, they will not be persuaded by any other 
means, even if one should arise from the dead. Oh ! that every sin- 
ner may remember that this is the accepted time and day of salva- 
tion, and harden not their hearts, knowing of a truth that God is* 
not slack concerning His promises, but is long suffering toward us — 
not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to re- 
pentance. 

And finally, may every christian in our associational union be 
led by the great goodness of God to repent of their sins and serve 
Him acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 

George W. Rollins. 
October 27th, 1856. 



Rollins, Elder Berry E. is a native of Rutherford 
(now Cleveland) county, K. C, born about the year 1828. 
Joined the church in early life at Buffalo, and appeared first 
in the Broad River Association in the session of 1850 at 
Buck Creek church. He was a delegate the next year, at- 
tending both sessions as a licentiate. He soon afterwards 
connected himself with the Green River Association, and 
was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry. He 
then put in his letter of dismission from Buffalo with the 
Head of First Broad, and remained with that church till he 
died We copy the notice of the Green River Asssocation 
in reference to his demise, as follows : 

"Elder B. E. Rollins.— Your committee not having time and 
opportunity to get up the facts fully, and get their report into the 
Minutes, have been unable to ascertain the time of Bro. Rollins' 
birth, or the time of his becoming a member of the church. We 
find that in 1851 he was pastor of Big Spring church, which we sup- 
pose was about the beginning of his ministry, and he continued in 
the pastoral service of different churches until 1874, when, from de- 
clining health, he gave up ministerial work, except preaching occa- 
sionally, until his death, which occurred in 1879. 

"During the 28 years of his ministry he preached forthe churches 
at Ebenezer, Big Spring, Head 1st Broad, Wall's, Cane Creek, Camp 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 511 

Oreek, Mount Vernon, Round Hill, Mt. Lebanon, Bill's Creek, Dy- 
sartville and Rock Spring. His manner of preaching was earnest 
and impressive. Many religious revivals occurred under his minis- 
trations, and the churches were generally in peace. He was a fast 
friend of tern perance, and of missions both State and Foreign, and 
of ministerial education. Though he was denied the advantages of 
early and thorough education — only enjoying that education which 
•constant thought and earnest work would give him — he was ever 
ready to help young men entering the ministry to acquire early train- 
ing. In his last years he was a great sufferer and a remarkably 
patient man — seeming to look for death as a messenger of rest to 
.him, rather than as a dread monster." 



Ruppe, Elder John is a native of Cleveland county, N. 
C, and a member of Mount Pleasant church. Born April 
11th, 1823, and reared a farmer, and like many others of 
that class, he has had to contend with the adversities and 
misfortunes of poverty. His opportunities, therefore, in 
early life of acquiring an education has been very limited. On 
the 14th of March, 1849, he married Miss Anna McCraw of 
Cleveland county, N. C, who proved to be a very worthy 
-and affectionate help meet to him, while engaged in the toils 
of life. Having embraced religion several years ago, and 
witnessing the rapid stridesof the great Adversary to accom- 
plish the ruin of the Adamic family, he, therefore, felt the 
force of the oft repeated remark, "there is a work for all to 
do," and he resolved that he would no longer act as a "dead 
head" while traveling on the car of Zion. He made known 
his determinations to the church, and was at the September 
meeting in 1873, licensed by the Mount Pleasant church to 
preach the Gospel of Christ. He continued in the work as 
faithfully as his circumstances in life would permit, in revi- 
vals, protracted meetings, etc., until May 6th, 1881, at the 
instance of his church, a presbytery was convened consisting 
of Elders J. M. Bridges, A. C. Irvin, A. A. McSwain and 
J. J. Jones, which after examination of Bro. Ruppe, pro- 
ceeded to ordain him by the imposition of hands to the full 
work of the Gospel ministry. 

Elder Ruppe, although defective in education, voice, 
some other requisites that make an eloquent preacher, is, 
notwithstanding, a pious and devoted christian, whose godly 
walk and conversation will be to many of the human family, 
we hope, a savor of life unto life and not of death unto death. 
May he, as an eleventh-hour laborer in the vineyard of the 
Lord, so demean himself as to be entitled to a laborers full. 



wages ! 



Si2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES'. 

Scruggs, Elder Drury is a native of Spartanburg' coiTtr- 
ty, S. C, born about the year 1806. Converted in early life,, 
and joined the church at State Line. He appeared as a lay 
delegate in the sessions of the Broad River Association at Ce- 
dar Springs church in 1830, and then again at other sessions in 
1831 and '32. He was licensed the latter year to preach the Gos- 
pel, and in 1833 he was ordained by a presbytery to the full 
work of the ministry. He became a popular minister in the* 
Broad River Association, and in 1842- was elected clerk, and 
in 1845-'46-'47-'48-'49 and '51 was chosen to preside over 
the deliberations of the Association as moderator, and again, 
in 1854-'55 and '57. Besides being appointed at various- 
times to preach the introductory sermons, and to prepare the- 
annual circular letters addressed to the churches in union. 
But ah! at the session of 1863, we find the following item 
on the face of the minutes : 

"The committee of three to nominate brethren to aid the State- 
Line church in her difficulty, report the following named brethren :. 
E. A. Crawley, M. C. Barnett, J. H. Ezell, W. Hill, B. B. Foster, 
H. G. Gaffney, J. G. Kindrick, T. R. Justice, E. Lipscomb, W. 
Austell, James Ezell and E, Barnett. What is the matter — requir- 
ing such an array of names of the ablest and best brethren in the 
Association ? It is because the State Line church has charged Elder 
Scruggs with the 'immorality of lewdness,' and through the agency 
of a Council have deposed him. from the ministry, — while the said 
Scruggs refuses to acquiesce in the decision made against him, and 
has surreptitiously obtained from a faction of the State Line church 
a paper writing, professing to be a bona fide letter of dismission in 
full fellowship, when indeed it is not such a letter, and by no means." 
legally obtained according to the rules and usages of the Baptist de- 
nomination. (For a more full account of this difficulty, see the jour- 
nalistic part of this work, Chap. 2, Session of 1864 ) 

Suffice it to say for the present that Elder Scruggs, hav- 
ing lost the confidence of his former friends and brethren, 
was looked upon as an evil doer, and advertized as such in 
the Minutes of the associate bodies, whereupon he emigrated 
without the limits of the Association with a spurious letter 
of dismission in his pocket, and, as we are informed, is en- 
gaged in his ministerial calling in the West. If he has been 
unjustly treated, then he is not so much to blame, but if oth- 
erwise, he is certainly guilty of a great impropriety. "To 
his own Master he standeth or falleth." 

Drury Scruggs for many years was a highly esteemed 
citizen as well as minister of the Gospel, and had at different 
times been favored at the ballot-box with the suffrages of the 
people, and we are not aware of his ever abusing the confi- 
dence of those who thus favored him. He was respectably 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 513 

connected, and baa an interesting family to suffer from these 
aspersions. We are sorry for it, and would certainly rejoice 
to see them relieved of the consequences of such improprie- 
ties ; but k 'it must needs be that offences come, but woe unto 
that man by whom they come !" "Every tub must stand 
upon its own bottom.'" No one is to be held responsible for 
the misdeeds of another. 

"Honor and shame from no condition rise. 
Act well your part— there the honor lies." 



Shadwack, Elder Lazarus was for. a time a minister of 
the Broad River Association. His membership being with 
the Head of Tyger River church in 1832, he was chosen a 
delegate to the Association that year, and attended the ses- 
sion at Sandy Run. In the session of 1833 that church was 
dismissed from the Broad River body, to aid in the forma- 
tion of the Tyger River Association, when Elder Shadwick 
was thereby isolated from the Broad River, and we are una- 
ble to obtain information as to his whereabouts since. Of 
his history we know nothing previous to 1832. 



Stough, Elder A. L. moved into the bounds of the 
King's Mountain Association from the York Association, 
and appeared first as a delegate from the Shelby church in 
1877 to the session of the King's Mountain body at Pleasant 
Hill church. Having been chosen pastor of the Shelby 
church, he has become identified with the King's Mountain, 
and at the session of 1879 was chosen Moderator of the body. 
Elder Stough, besides being an able minister, is a scientific 
agriculturist, and Master of a Grange, the object of which 
is to promote good farming. 

He "was born in Germany in 1827 ; was educated for the 
Catholic priesthood, was baptized in Norfolk, Va., in 1847, 
read theology for two years with Dr. George W. Purefoy, 
and began to preach ; is a successful pastor, has been for a 
time in charge of the Shelby church, and Moderator of the 
King's Mountain Association." — Baptist Encyclopedia. 

Elder Stough, like quite a number of other ministers of 
the Gospel, sets a bad example before mankind — not in 
quaffing the contents of the wine cup, of course, but in 
drawing and letting off the fumes of tobacco smoke. It is 
said by a distinguished and accurate writer that the con- 
sumption of the weed in Great Britain annually amounts in 
value to forty millions of dollars, and in the United States 
to over thirty-five millions. In the city of New York alone 
over ten millions of dollars are puffed away in smoke, daily, 
65 



514 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

or three millions six hundred and fifty thousand dollars 
every year. Yet this sinks quite into insignificance com- 
pared with the consumption of some European cities.' In 
the city of Hamburg", probably not over one-sixth the size 
of New York, more than a million ot dollars every year dis- 
solves in smoke. 

The entire tobacco crop of the world is put down at 
four thousand four hundred and eighty millions of pounds, 
of which the United States produce probably two hundred 
millions. -Merely the cigars consumed yearly in the United 
States cost more than all our common schools; and more, 
some say — possibly it is an exaggeration— than all our bread- 
stuffs. When we add to this all the other items of this most 
useless and inexcusable of all expenditures,, the labor of a 
million and a half of men who are employed in the cultiva- 
tion of tobacco, or in its preparation for use, and also the 
immense quantities of fertile land used for the cultivation, 
we are able to appreciate in some degree the value — at least 
the cost — of a single useless, nauseous, hurtful, and there- 
fore sinful habit. Should not ministers of the Gospel there- 
fore (who ought to have more influence than other men.) 
instead of setting a bad example before the rising genera- 
tion — or young men of the country so easily misled — rather 
preach, yea preach by example, too, against so great a folly. 
At this period of the world, when the churches are endeav- 
oring to make aggressive movements against the kingdom 
of Satan, and calling so frequently on the people for means 
to accomplish the ends in view, what a blessed thing it 
would be if they could be relieved of this worthless and 
filthy tobacco drain that absorbs so much of their hard earn- 
ings ! They could then afford to contribute so much more 
to the objects of philanthropy and Christianity. 

If the vast sum of money which is worse than wasted 
for tobacco was carefully deposited in the different mission- 
ary boxes, and then properly utilized by those who handle 
it, the whole world probably in a few years would (if money 
could accomplish it) begin to show unmistakable signs of 
evangelization, and the long anticipated Millenium would 
no longer be a mooted question as to its coming. 

We think it the duty of the ministers of Christ to attack 
and preach against the practice of using tobacco just the 
same as against ardent spirits as a beverage. The minister 
claims to be a mouth for God, or a gospel trumpet, which 
we admit, but we claim that the month or that trumpet 
should not be fouled with the filthy juice or fumes of to- 
bacco. 

Elder Stough is an able minister, and "the greater the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH! 8. 515 

man the greater the precedent."' Let Elder Stough there- 
fore take the lead in a well directed crusade against the use 
of the "sweet-scented poisonous plant ot Virginia." 



Styers, Elder John Pressley is a native of Davidson 
county, IS". C, horn June 21st, 1847; moved into the bounds 
of the King's Mountain Association from Rocky River As- 
sociation in 1877. Joined the church at New Prospect, and 
was chosen one of the delegates to represent said church in 
the Association at its session of 1878. He was again a dele- 
gate from New Prospect in 1879. In 1880, Pleasant" Grove 
church was constituted, Eider Styers becoming a constitu- 
ent member thereof, since which he has been chosen one of 
its annual representatives. He is also pastor of said church, 
and seems to be instrumental in the hand of God in building 
it up into a strong body, now numbering nearly 200 mem- 
bers. He was ordained in 1873 by Elders W. A. Pool and 
A. P. Stoker, at Trading Ford church, Rowan county, IS r . 0. 

Elder Styers, like a great many Baptist ministers, is 
laboring under great disadvantages, by reason of a lack of 
early scholastic training, but he is a close Biblical student, 
and gifted with a good utterance, and has sound orthodox 
doctrinal views. Why then may he not be very useful in 
the highways and hedges, while the more learned and re- 
fined are engaged in the towns and cities ? There is work 
for all to do, and it is often the case that an "illiterate fish- 
erman's" simple words delivered in an impressive, loving, 
and tender manner will accomplish much more real good- 
than high-flown language, which sometimes may be greatly 
lacking, too, in holy unction and pathos, and only calculated 
to tickle the ear of fancy, while the heart escapes untouched 
and is still left in its callous and flinty state. Education, 
however, is certainly a great blessing, when not abused. 
We might say with propriety that next to regenerating grace 
it is the greatest blessing of all others. But let all of its 
recipients be on their guard, lest they should become vain 
and purled up in their minds, and despise too much the day 
of small things. 

We will return again to Elder Styers to remark that 
he is an indefatigable preacher and worker, whether it be 
in the pastoral pulpit, Sunday-school, or in missionary labors. 
May he be rewarded with many seals ! 



Suttle, Elder Joseph was a native of Rutherford coun- 
ty, N. C, born April 25th, 1827; was converted in early 
life, and baptized by Elder James M. Webb in the year 



51(5 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

1846, into the fellowship of the church at Concord. Soon 
after his baptism he was licensed to preach, and about the 
year 1849 he had the good fortune to marry Miss E. E. 
Elanton who, in all respects, was worthy of him, and con- 
tributed greatly to make his 'life happy and agreeable. He 
then transferred his membership from Concord to Zion, and 
was chosen a delegate to represent the church in the session 
of the Association of that year,' held at Cedar Springs. He 
again, after his ordination, February 2nd, 1850, represented 
Zion in the Association, and in 1851 he became a member 
and pastor of the church at Double Springs, which church 
was dismissed with fourteen others the same year to form 
the King's Mountain Association. 

Since the organization of the new body he has remained 
with the Double Springs church as pastor, and has at 
various times had the pastoral care of several other 
churches, besides doing a large amount of missionary work, 
a large portion of which has been dispensed within the 
bounds of the old parent body. 

Elder Suttle was a man of strong impulses, and never 
doubted or hesitated about undertaking to carry out any 
scheme that he considered right and just. He had an abiding 
confidence in the Master's power and willingness to bless 
the efforts of His creatures to evangelize the world. ' What 
he found to do, and thought it right and proper to do it, he 
went at it with all his might. 

His educational advantages had been very poor, but he 
had a good native intellect, susceptible of receiving and im- 
parting to others impressions calculated to make the heart 
better, and right faithfully did he exhort mankind to be re- 
conciled to God while time and opportunity was afforded. 

At the session of 1854 he was appointed to prepare a 
Circular Letter on the subject of Missions, which we repro- 
duce in this work, out of respect for Elder Suttle, and the 
exalted character of his views upon that important subject : 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

The King's Mountain Baptist Association, to the Churches in Union- 
Greeting : 

Dear Brethren : — According to an appointment of last Associa- 
tion, we address you upon the subject of Missions. 

In entering upon the discussion of this subject, we would im- 
plore the assistance and direction of that Spirit which guides in the 
way of all truth. The subject of Missions is one of vast importance 
and vital interest. It would fill an angel's hand or a Saviors heart. 
This subject ought to interest every christian, for by this means, the 
nations of the earth are to be given to the Son as an inheritance, and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. M7 

utmost parts of the earth for a possession. Therefore let us love 
»nd esteem it, and especially because our suffering Savior was him- 
self a missionary, and says, this is the way, walk ye in it. 

Christ was the embodiment and living 1 illustration of divine 
goodness The whole history of His earthly career may be compre- 
hended in a single sentence. "He went about doing good." For 
this, He came into the world. For this, He lived, suffered and at 
last died on the cross. He brought all the resources of His God- 
head and the office of liis Sonship to carry on the great work of 
doing good. He became poor that we, through His poverty, might 
become rich. He took of the things of the Father and showed them 
unto us. He cared not for comfort, human rank nor honor. He 
strove not for a crown nor a kingdom of this world. 

His ambition (if we may so speak) was only to do good. To ac- 
complish His mission He took a place among the most humble, and 
-carefully ministered to the wants of all. Every page of His eventful 
history is refulgent with merely/ Every line is an emblem of benev- 
olence. Go with us to the garden, dear brethren, behold the Savior 
in the stillness of the night giving vent to the agonizing emotions of 
His soul: He is bowed to the ground, and as the load of excruciat- 
ing agony weighs upon him, O ! what grief and sorrow ! See the 
bloody sweat falling to the ground. Why all this? For the good 
of man. Behold Him in the judgment hall, suffering abuse and in- 
sulted ! See Him bending under the cross as He moves on towards 
calvary. He is there nailed to the wood ! Thus He bleeds and dies! 
"Why all this intense suffering? To do good unto men. Y r es, says 
the opposer of missions, that is the kind of a missionary we want, 
that will do all the good he caa and have nothing for it. 

But this character should remember that, although the Savior 
was able to multiply the few loaves and fishes to feed a host in the 
wilderness, and could fast forty days and forty nights, yet He made 
it the duty of the people to minister unto Him, and they did so. 
"And Joana and Susanna and many others ministered unto Him of 
their substance." (Luke viii: 3.) Just so He would have His people 
act towards His ministers, in this and every other age of the world. 
Although He could feed them with manna from heaven or command 
the ravens to feed them, as they did Elijah, yet He says His minis- 
ters shall not go a warfare at his own expense, but they that preach 
the Gospel, shall live of the Gospel. 

Notwithstanding the Savior was a great blessing to the world, 
while He was upon earth, yet He says, it is needful for the world, 
"that I go away." So in the absence of the Savior, the great work 
of diffusing abroad the light of eternal truth, was committed to the 
church. This church is that kingdom, that shall break in pieces all 
other kingdoms of the earth, and shall stand forever as a monument 
to the glory of its author. This glorious kingdom is the light of the 
world; it is the instrumentality, by means of which, the world is 
to be regenerated and saved. This heavenly kingdom of holiness 
and love, is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of 



518 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

the truth. To this church has been committed a sacred treasure*.- 
It is the truth as it is in Jesus. This truth has been committed to the 
church, and it is able to save the soul, being the eternal truth of> 
God, and it is the duty of the church to sustain r preserve ami pro- 
mulgate it in the world. How energetic then ought the church to- 
be in the cause of missions! Founded, herself, on the rock of eternal 
ages, she is destined to be the means of upholding the truth in the 
world. She has received, that she may impart it to others. Her 
mission is a mission of mercy to the lost sons and daughters ofmen. 

But, we regret to say, that she does not exert that infience and 
power to save a sinking world, that she ought. There are several 
things that clog the wheels of Zion, and weaken her power, which 
tend to retard her progress in the conversion of the world, one of 
which we shall notice : Division of Sentiment. This is one great 
obstacle to the onward march of Zion, especially in regard to the 
nature of her mission. While some are trying to push on the car of 
salvation they meet with a great deal of opposition, even from their 
brethren, by reason of conflicting views ; owing to this cause she has- 
lost that simplicity, peace and unity wmich her dying Savior prayed 
might be hers forever ; and while the world He came to save is going 
down to death, she is wasting her, time and strength in mutual 
broils and controversies about the nature of her mission, which she 
ought long ago to have known. And what is the cause of all this 
division of sentiment with its ruinous train of consequences? The 
history of the past eighteen hundred years attests the truth that it 
is, in consequence of partiality, prejudice, education or tradition ; 
for the first breathings of a newly-converted soul is, that God's king- 
dom might come, and over all prevail, which would continue to be 
the ease, if the judgment was not warped by some of the things 
above mentioned. 

Oh ! would she but emerge from under the clouds of "ignorance 
in which she is involved, and shake herself from every clog, and ex- 
ecute her mission more fully ! How mighty would be her energies 
in the subjugation of the world, and how like the voice of God 
would her voice be sounded through the abodes of unbelief and sin I 
But instead of this many, it seems, would lock the wheels of salva- 
tion, and impede the progress of the angel that flies in the midst of 
heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto men ; and in- 
stead of converting the world to God, we fear they have become 
themselves partially converted to the world. O ! would the church 
but arise above the dim and murky atmosphere of earth and lay 
hold with a deathless grasp upon the immutable promises of God ! 
what a revolution would be wrought in her feelings and views! and 
how bright would be that light which she would scatter throughout 
the world ! for the church is destined to be the great fountain of 
light to a guilty world— the reservoir from which is to flow forth the 
streams of salvation to a perishing world ! 

Her mission will not be accomplished until every nation on earth 
shall acknowledge the Lord and be made the recipients of that truth 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 519 

wind] she was commissioned to preach, — not until the heathen shall 

$>e given to the Son as an inheritance, and the utmost parts of the 
dearth for a possession. 

The church is said to look forth as the morning sun that illumi* 
mites the earth, rises higher and higher, scattering the shades of* 
night and lighting up this dark earth until every valley and remote 
■corner of the earth are illuminated and warmed by its rays ; so the 
candle of the church was lit up more than eighteen hundred years 
ago, and has been looking forth from that time down to the present... 
Though for eighteen centuries she lias been baffeted by the waves of 
persecution and by false brethren, and though the lightnings have 
played around her, and clouds and darkness have involved her, yet 
her course is onward — still she glides along, spreading wider aud 
wider the light of eternal Truth— being guided by the light of the 
past and the infallible Word of God ; but let us look down through 
the vista of the future, that we may learn the future triumphs of 
the church : here a glorious prospect lies before us. The effects she 
lias already wrought are but the presage of her future triumphs ; 
yet she can not triumph without a conflict. Then let every christian 
say, let the conflict come — we will not remain idle spectators of the 
scene; we will enter the field of battle under the blood-stained ban- 
ner of the cross ; we will raise the Son of righteousness higher and 
higher until every valley and darK corner of the earth is lit up by 
His rays, and His glory shall cover the earth as the waters cover the 
basin of the great deep. 

Then, clear brethren, we should look abroad and see that dark- 
ness yet covers the earth, and gross darkness the people. Look over 
the briny deep, and there behold mothers sacrificing their children, 
to appease the wrath of their deities, made with their own hands ! 
and where is the christian that is not willing to lend a helping hand 
to rescue innocent babes from being crushed before the wheels of the 
great car of juggernaut ? That christian ought not to be found on 
the face of the earth. 

We remember once asking an anti-missionary if one of his chil- 
dren was carried to a heathen land and left in that dark and benight- 
ed country, if he would be willing that some missionary should be 
sent to preach the Gospel to that child, and the only answer he gave 
us was, "that alters the case." Now, we awfully fear this is the 
case with too many ; because the heathen are not their children, ac- 
cording to the flesh, they are concerned but little about them. How 
much more praiseworthy and christian-like the conduct of a noble- 
hearted lady in one of the great cities of this Union, when she dis- 
covered a frightened horse running away with a vehicle, and a little 
child therein, she became so distressed as to immediately run out 
kilo the street and cry aloud for some efforts to be made to save the 
child ! her daughter at the same time rebuking her and telling her 
that "it was not her child !" "I know it," she replied, "but it is 
some one's child." Let us rather act the part of this good, tender- 
hearted lady, and let us also act the good Samaritan -not pass by 



5*20 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

our fellow-creatures in distress or in a perishing condition and have 
no compassion on them. Let us also act the part of the little maid 
that was taken captive by the Assyrians out of the land of Israel,, 
who waited on Naaman's wife, who said : would to God that my 
Master was with the prophet in Samaria r for he would recover ham? 
of his leprosy. 

We should not only be missionaries in word, but indeed, and in* 
truth, for when it was necessary that the house of the Lord should 
be built at Jerusalem, (Ezra 1:5.) "there rose up the chief of the 
fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priestsand Levites, with all 
them whose spirit God has raised to go up to build the house of the 
Lord ; and all they that were about them strengthened their hands- 
with vessels of silver, with gold, and with goods, with beasts, and 
with many precious things,'' &c, &c. Shall we be less charitable 
and willing to strengthen the hands of the men of God, who are go- 
ing to and fro in the earth, to establish the house of the Lord in all the 
world, by giving our substance to send the Bible, and the man of 
God to the heathens, who have never heard of God, that they might 
call on Him and be saved ? 

Another example, when the demoniac of Godara was brought 
to his right mind, (Mark v. 19, 2),) Jesus said unto him, "go home 
to thy friends and tell them how great things the Lord has done for 
thee," and he departed and began to publish in Decapolis, how great 
things Jesus had done for him and all men did marvel." Ought not 
we as Christians to do the same, and if some of us cannot publish the 
truth abroad we can support those that can, and we must do it if 
we do our duty. 

Another example. (Luke ii. 17.) When the angels of the Lord 
had informed the shepherds that a Savior was born in Bethlehem, 
the shepherds immediately made known abroad the sayings that 
was told them concerning the Child. And cannot we, dear breth- 
ren, make known abroad, that Jesus is not only born into the world, 
but that He has suffered, died, and rose again for the justification 
of all that believe on Him. This we can do by loosing the hands of 
our ministers, while we say with the poet : 

"Go messengers of peace and love, 

To sinners plunged in shades of night, 
Like Gabriel sent from fields above, 
Be yours to shed celestial light." 

And let it be in deed, as well as word, for there are many that 
gay and do not. 

Another example, and this ought to shame many called chris- 
tians, who have rendered so little to the Lord for ail his benefits. 
(Luke xvii. 15-18.) "When Jesus had healed ten lepers, and one of 
them when he saw that he was healed, turned back and with a loud 
voice glorified God, and Jesus answered and said, "Were there not 
ten cleansed, and where are the nine?" Is it possible that nine 
christians out of ten just sit down and never glorify God in carrying 
out that great commission, "Go ye into all the world and preach the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 521 

Gospel to every creature?" "Go ye therefore and teach all nations." 
But perhaps the nine says, this command is only to the tenth, to- 
wit: the minister, and we are exempt. Let them take notice when 
the Savior ascended on high as the captain of our salvation, He gave 
gifts unto men, and doubtless some of these gifts were the ministry 
of the cross, and they are servants of the church, and are to obey 
her Gospel calls and orders. They are represented as the servants 
of the church, serving the church as an ox serves his owner. Sup- 
pose A was to bid your servant to come and labor in his farm, and at 
the same time had no power or authority to say to you to send him, 
what would it avail? Then, you see, dear brethren, that the com- 
mand is to both, it is to the minister to go, and to the church at the 
same time to send him. And if the minister refuses to go he should 
remember that ''woe is me if I preach not the Gospel ;" and if the 
church refuse to send and enable him to go, she should remember 
that it is written, "woe unto them that are at ease in Zion." 

We should be willing at least to devote some of our substance 
and time to the Lord, but this is very hard for some to do, and they 
will contend that it is not their duty. But what says the law and 
the testimony? (1 Chron. xxix. 4-6.) In the building of the temple 
David shows his liberality and says that he had given even three 
thousand talents of silver, and then says, who then is willing to con- 
secrate his services this day to the Lord? Then, dear brethren, the 
church of Christ is to be built up in all the world ; and if it required 
gold and silver in the days of David, to carry on the work of the 
Lord, why not now? Do we suppose the Lord has lowered His de- 
mands in consequence of the covetousness of His people? Not in 
the least ; but to the contrary He has raised them, for w T here much 
is given much is required. As our property increases, our obligation 
to throw into the treasury of the Lord increases ; for we are com- 
manded to give according to what we have. Then how hardly shall 
the rich enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, whom God has blessed 
with a great deal of the goods of the w T orld ? And yet they will 
shut up their bowels of compassion towards the heathen that are 
perishing for the bread of life. And 

"The poor, the object of God's love, 
Who want and famine dread." 

(Eccl. xx. 1.) Solomon, in giving directions for charity, says,"Cast 
thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days." 
"Give a portion to seven, and also to eight, for thou knowest not 
what evil shall be upon the earth." (Frov. xi. 24, 25.) "There is 
that scattereth yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdeth more 
than is meet, and tendeth to poverty." "The liberal soul shall be 
made fat." The Savior was careful in His day to notice the liberal 
soul — so much so that He stood over against the Treasury, and He 
saw the rich man casting in much, and also the poor widow cast in 
her two mites, and He said that she had cast in more than they all. 
And the Savior commands His people to sell that they have and give 
alms. This was His advice to that young man that wished to know 
66 



522 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

what good thing he must do, yet he refuses to do it. Just so it is 
with many called christians in this our day and time : if the minis- 
ters oi Christ tell them that they ought to give to the missionary 
cause, they go away offended, like that young man ; but, my dear 
brethren, it is our duty to seud the Word of God far and wide. 

How few christians in this day and time are willing to act the 
part of the primitive christians, who sold their possessions and goods 
and parted them as every mau had need. "Neither was there any 
that lacked ; for as many as were possessors of houses or lands, sold 
them and distribution was made unto every man according as they 
had need.' 7 

Some churches will say they are willing to pay for their own 
preaching, but they are unwilling to support a minister to go and 
preach to others ; but the Apostle says to the Corinthians that he 
robbed other churches to do them service ; i. e., other churches sup- 
ported him when he was preaching to them, when they ought to 
have done it — and the reason was the Corinthians had not yet learn- 
ed their duty. We that know our dut\ T should be willing to send 
them ministers, that they may learn their duty. "But,' ? some will 
say, "charity should commence at home." Well then, be sure that 
you do not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out your corn. 
AVe are sorry to say that there are churches that do not do their duty 
in this respect ; such churches ought to be afraid that the cries of 
the children of those ministers who have went a warfaring at their 
own expense and fed the flock, and did not eat of the milk thereof, 
and stood at the altar and labored day and night, and was not made 
partakers of the things of the altar, will rise up against them and 
condemn them, when they are waiting to hear that welcome ap- 
plause. "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

There is one thought that should stimulate every Baptist to 
action ; that is — God has kept us, as a people, distinct from all other 
societies in the world. What society but this could have subsisted 
amidst the mutations of a hating world? Where are now the 
mighty empires of antiquity ? They are but an empty name — live 
only in history, crushed by bloody wars. But the church of Christ, 
though she has undergone many revolutions, remains and will re- 
main when the consumption determined by the Lord of hosts shall 
come upon all the earth. Therefore, dear brethren, we ought to look 
around us and say not, "there are four months and then cometh 
harvest ; for behold the fields are white already to harvest." We 
should remember that thousands of the human family are perishing 
for want of the bread of life, every day that we live in the world ; 
therefore let us up and be doing while it is day, for the night cometh 
when no man can work. Let us look through the telescope of love, 
over all the earth where the Gospel has not been preached, and see 
the ignorance, darkness, superstition, idolatry, cruelty, and perish- 
ing condition of man ! and will not that zeal for the salvation of a 
sinking world become like fire shut up in the bones ? And may the 
cry be extorted from the bosom of every christian, "Oh ! that my 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 523 

bead were waters and my eyes were a fountain of tears, that I might 
weep day and night" for the perishing condition of man ! And may 
Ziou awake and arise, and shake herself from every clog, and travel 
in her strength until many sons and daughters shall be born of God 
on the heathen shores! It seems unnecessary to prove that the 
heathen cannot be saved without the Gospel ; for it is so plain it 
needs no proof. Yet we will cite your attention to a few Scripture 
texts : The Apostle says "that it has pleased the Lord, through the 
foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." And again, 
"Without faith it is impossible to please God." "And he that comes 
to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of them that 
diligently seek Him." Again, "How can they believe on Him of 
whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without a 
preacher?" The Eunuch, with the Scriptures in his hand, says: 
"How can I understand them, except some man guide me?" How, 
then, can the heathen believe, without the assistance of the Bible 
and teachers? 

It is perfect nonsense to talk of believe in a thing never heard of. 
Then if the heathen are saved it must be upon some unknown plan dif- 
erent from that of the Gospel, yet we read of but one cistern being hewn 
out, and but one system being set up by our Savior to save sinners. 
But some will say like Peter, the heathen are unclean, and, therefore, 
not worthy of the Gospel, and God does not intend they shall hear it. 
The answer to this is, "The times of this ignorance God winked at, 
but now commands all men every where to repent." And he more- 
over says, "He is no respecter of person." 

It was predicted by the prophet, that the once hostile nations 
around about Jerusalem " should pay them annual visits, and join 
in their festivals." Yea, saith the prophet Isaiah, "From new 
moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, shall all flesh 
come to worship before the Lord of hosts." Now it is evident that 
these high predictions were never accomplished in the earthly Zion, 
and Jerusalem, yea, it is impossible they could be in their literal 
sense, the nature of things forbids it. But to the spiritual Zion and 
heavenly Jerusalem they have been fulfilled, and shall be more and 
more accomplished. For this holy hill must be established in all 
the world, and we can come to the city of the living God without a 
pilgrimage. "Then the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the 
leopard with the kid, and the young lion and fatling together, and 
they shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain." When 
shall these high predictions be fully accomplished? Not until God's 
kingdom will come and over all prevail. Then the nations shall 
learn war no more. 

But some will admit that the Gospel is to be preached to all na- 
tions, whieh will be at God's own good time. Now let us inquire 
when that "good time" is? To-morrow? No. For God says "boast 
not thyself of to-morrow," for thou knowest not what a day will 
bring about. Then now is the time, says God, we have no promise 
of to-morrow, now is the time for us to lay our shoulder to the Gos- 



524 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

pel wheel, ,and roll it on to earth's remotest bounds. Or will you be 
at efcSfc in Zion, and slumber while the Savior pleads for a sinking 
world ? 

Universal nature, as well as the word of God, has pronounced a 
woe upon them that are at ease in Zion. If then brethren, you 
would fill the design of your holy mission, O ! if you would share in 
the bli.^s and triumph of the Redeemed in Heaven, w T hose employ- 
ments and exercises are full of action, you must throw your whole 
energy into the mighty work before you. Let one simultaneous on- 
set be made upon the territory of sin, renewing the attack day by 
day, and press on with unfaltering ranks until the bread of life, the 
Bible faithfully translated; is carried to the millions of earth, and 
the blessed Gospel is extended through the borders of our own land, 
and to the uttermost limits of the habitable globe. 

Be'hold these two gigantic enterprises of the church ! The 
Bible and the Missionary Cause! Going forth in their peerless 
majesty, linked hand in hand, to regenerate and exalt to God a 
ruined race, now in their struggle at the threshold of infidelity! 
They turn to you for sympathy and help. Shall they look in vain 
and be disappointed f Let the universal response be, No — no. Can 
you say in the magnanimity your souls, God being our helper, we 
are able for the task of doing our share of spreading the Gospel to the 
ends of the world! If so, shrink not dear brethren, beneath this 
stupendous atlas. God is your strength, therefore, with a faith and 
heroism that knows no surrender, nerve your mind for the giant 
effort. And let the magnificent glory that shall crown your victory, 
give immortal strength to your broad shoulders to sustain the migh- 
ty load. 

Already the sound of vicotry is coming in loud swelling notes 
over the din of ihe battle field. The shouts of your brethren in foreign 
lands are heard rolling across the mighty waters. Will you then, 
not help to push on the triumphs until our united hosts shall be seen 
coming up from the wilderness, shining as the morning, "fair as the 
moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?" 
Then the redeemed millions of justified spirits and angelic armies 
will rejoice to behold those triumphs in a glorious eternity; then 
the throng of the redeemed and shining legions of angels will join 
the shoutings of universal triumph, — saying, blessing and honor, 
and power and glory, unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and 
unto the lamb forever and ever. Amen ! Joseph Suttle. 

October 29th, 1855. 



Elder Tate W. T. was born in Spartanburg county, 
S. C, on the 19th of October, 1858; joined the church at 
Sandy Springs in Polk county, and was baptized February, 
1874. Shortly afterwards united with Arrowood church, 
where his membership now is. He was ordained to the 
work of the ministry May 27th, 1881, and has rendered good 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 525 

service as a missionary within the bounds of the Broad River 
Association, both in sustaining feeble churches and organ- 
izing new ones. Elder Tate's scholastic opportunities have 
been limited, but he has greatly overcome that deficiency 
by a close application to books and self-culture. He proves 
himself a workman by his many labors ministerially that 
needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth, 
and giving to each his respective portion in due season. 
Having labored successfully for a time as a missionary, and 
becoming acceptable to many as a preacher, he has been 
■called to the discharge of pastoral labor by several of the 
-churches, and we are informed that he renders satisfaction, 
and is generally popular and practical as a pastor. 

As Elder Tate still lives, and is in the prime and vi^or 
of manhood, it is hoped earnestly by his brethren and nu- 
merous friends that his subsequent life may not only be pro- 
tracted in years, but be characterized for perseverance in 
well doing in the cause of the Master, and that in the long 
future he may be able to retrospect a well spent and useful 
life, and have many seals to his ministry. 



Taylor, Elder Thomas Jerome was born in Mecklen- 
burg county, N". C, on the 14th of April, 1849. His early 
years were spent in Charlotte, where he received the rudi- 
ments of an education under such eminent educators as 
Profs. Mortimer, Johnson, Armstead, Burwell, and Elder 
R. C. Griffith. In November, 1864, there was a wonderful 
work of grace in the Tryon street Methodist church of which 
Rev. Claudius H. Pritchard was pastor. Mr. Taylor attend- 
ed the meetings, was deeply convicted for sin, and after 
three days' earnest struggle was happily converted and en- 
tered the Methodist communion. He was early impressed 
with his obligations to preach Christ, but on account of his 
extreme youth, want of education, and being destitute of 
the means and in every way feeling unfitted for the work 
he, for some considerable time, resisted the impressions to 
preach. The work of preaching thrust itself upon him in 
this way : boys of his own age came to him to inquire the 
way of salvation ; brethren would call on him to pray, con- 
duct prayer-meetings and deliver exhortations. This kind 
of work was w T ell calculated to lead him into the ministry. 
When he finally made up his mind to enter the ministry, 
the question as to what he should preach naturally presented 
itself, and he began to study the Bible with a view to ascer- 
taining what he ought to preach. At this juncture he met 
with Elder A. J, Cansler, who directed his attention to the 



526 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

subject of baptism, and he at once began the investigation! 
with no books but the Bible and Sommers on baptism. He- 
studied at first for the purpose of refuting Mr. Cansler's ar- 
gument, and afterwards, when the truth began to force itself 
upon his mind, he studied for the purpose of learning the- 
truth in regard to the mode and subjects of baptism. After 
considerable time spent in the investigation of the subject he 
arrived at the conclusion that the immersion of a believer in 
water, in the name of the Trinity, was the only baptism 
known in the Word of God. It then became his duty to 
connect himself with the Baptist church. Acting on his 
convictions of duty he went to Bruington church, in Gaston, 
county, and sought membership and was received into their 
fellowship, being baptized on the 13th day of January, 1866 r 
by Elder A. J. Cansler. On the same day the church, 
licensed him to preach, and he at once entered upon the 
work of preaching the Gospel. The first year of his minis- 
try was spent as an independent missionary in the counties 
of Mecklenburg, Gaston and Cataw T ba, 

After working for several months among the destitute 
in these counties, he went to Charlotte and became a pupil 
of that very earnest, self-denying, consecrated servant of 
Christ, J. J. Blackwood. Through his influence he was in- 
troduced to Elder A. L. Stough, who became and continued 
his staunch friend during the years he was struggling to se- 
cure an education. During these years he was a student 
from time to time in several institutions. At one time he 
was in Mr. George Anderson's school ; then he was a stu- 
dent under EUter R. H. Griffith, in Charlotte. He also 
attended the school taught by Elder E. A. Poe, in Dallas, 
and Prof. McCauley. in Monroe. His last educational advan- 
tages were enjoyed in Furman University, Greenville, S. C. 
His eyes failing from overwork it became necessary for him 
to leave school when, at the call of Tuckascge church, he 
was ordained at Bruington church on the 16th day of May, 
1868, by a presbytery consisting of Elders E. A. Poe, James 
Brumfield and Jeptha Clark. On the 29th day of Septem- 
ber, 1870, he was married in the Cheraw Baptist church to 
Miss Emily B. King, by Elder J. 0. B. Dargan, D.D., assist- 
ed by J. W. Bum. His ministerial life has been spent in 
connection with churches in the Catawba River and Brown's 
Creek Associations in North Carolina, and the Welsh Neck, 
the Moriah, the York and Broad River Associations in South 
Carolina. He is the present Moderator of the Broad River 
Association, which position he has heretofore occupied since 
becoming a member of said body. He is at present serving 
Mount Joy, Goucher Creek and Grassy Pond churches in 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 527 

the Broad River Association, and Putman church, in the 
Union Association. 

As Elder Taylor is yet living, it is not meet to speak of 
ithe results of his labors in detail. The Lord was anointed 
Sfor his burial ; it is not meet therefore that the oil of praise 
should anoint the servant while he lives. Therefore 
we will not eulogize his life or labors now, further than to 
©ay, that as he is only in the 34th year of his age — -judging 
the future by the past — we have eneouargement to hope that 
lie may be able to render much and lasting service in the 
•cause of the Master. We may add, however, that during 
his ministry lie has been successful as an evangelist, many 
hundreds having been converted through his instrument- 
ality, and he has buried more than 1000 in the liquid grave 
•of baptism. May the Lord bless his future labors 1 



Turner, Elder John was a pioneer minister of the 
JBroad River Association. Doubtless, he participated in the 
•organization in 1800. The Minutes of 1801 show that he 
was in the session of that year as a delegate from Buck Creek 
•church, associated with Elders Burges, Camp, the Blackvvells, 
Morgan, Cantrell and Carlton in devising measures for the 
future welfare of the denomination. We know nothing of 
his ministerial qualifications, nor of the date of his advent 
into the world. He was probably a veteran in 1801, and 
died soon afterward or emigrated to some other field, as we 
are unable to trace him any farther in the Minutes of the 
Association. He has numerous descendants, some of whom 
reside within the limits of the Broad River Association, that 
will doubtless take a pride in preserving the name and praise- 
worthy deeds of their ancestor, who by the neglect of thought- 
less friends, has been suffered to sink almost into oblivion. 
May his name long be had in remembrance. 



Tollison, Elder John appears in the Minutes of the 
Broad River Association of 1870, as a member of, and dele- 
gate from El Bethel church, then a layman. He was proba- 
bly licensed to preach in 1871, and ordained to the full 
work of the ministry soon afterwards, as we find that he was 
pastor of Crilead, Upper Fair Forest, Unity and Abingdon's 
Creek churches in the years 1872 to 1877. 

We are not informed as to the date of Elder Tollison 'a 
birth, or of his ministerial qualifications, but learn from the 
Minutes that he has labored under the direction of the Mis- 
sion Board in supplying feeble churches, and destitute settle- 
ments with the ministration of the word, very satisfactory to 



528 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the Association to which he belongs, and to those among: 
whom he labored. 



Underwood, Elder E. J. was a member of the Phila- 
delphia church, Spartanburg county, S. C, as far back as 
1830. He appears in nearly all the sessions of the Broad 
River Association as a lay delegate till 1839. At that ses- 
sion he appears a licentiate, and in 1845 an ordained minis- 
ter. He probably emigrated to some other field of labor, 
outside of the bounds of the Broad River body, as we are 
unable to trace him any further in the Minutes. We sup- 
pose he was a near relative of Deacon W. Underwood, of 
Cedar Springs, whose demise was so favorably noticed in 
the Minutes of 1837. 



West, Elder James appears to have been a member of 
Head of Tyger River church, and a licensed preacher in 
1819. He, with Elders Nathaniel Jackson and D. Forest, 
represented the church that year in the session of the Asso- 
ciation at Head of Tyger River, and the next year at Moun- 
tain Creek. He was probably ordained to the full work of 
the Gospel ministry in 1820, for at the sessions of 1821 to 
1826 he appeared as an ordained minister. He probably 
died soon after the organization of the Tyger River Associ- 
ation. We are uninformed as to the date of his birth, but 
he doubtless attained to a considerable age. We know some 
of his descendants, who still live in the region of country 
where many years ago he proclaimed the glad tidings of the 
Gospel. Let his name still be had in remembrance. 



Weathers, Elder Thomas was a member of and dele- 
gate from Bethesda church (a new constitution) to the ses- 
sions of the Broad River Association in 1821 to 1829. He 
was an ordained minister when he first joined the Associa- 
tion, and may have continued with the Broad River as long 
as he lived. It is probable, however, that he moved away 
to some other field, as the Bethesda church still remained 
in the Broad River. If he had died doubtless the Associa- 
tion would have noticed it in the Minutes. We have no in- 
formation only as we glean from the Minutes. 



Webb, Elder James Milton was born October 7th, 
1802, in Rutherford county, K C. In the year 1834 he was 
converted and baptized by Elder John Padgett, into the fel- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 52;) 

lowship of the High Shoal church and soon afterward licensed 
to preach the Gospel, and sent as a delegate to the Associa- 
tion. And iu 1885 he appeared in the Broad River Associ- 
ation as a delegate and ordained minister, and again in the 
sessions of 1836 to 1841. In 18-36 lie was appointed to preach 
the introductory sermon for 1837. That year he was elected 
Clerk of the Association and prepared the Circular Letter, 
on the necessity of the agency of the spirit of God, in the work of 
regeneration on the soul, — which letter we have thought prop- 
er to reproduce in this work. He continued to act as clerk 
of the body until the session of 1841, when the High Shoal 
church with others were dismissed to aid in forming the Green 
River Association, and thereby isolated Elder Webb from the 
Broad River body. During his stay with the Broad River 
he was a very important factor in the associational proceed- 
ings. He prepared a Circular Letter for the session of 1839, 
on the divine and special call from God to men to preach the Gos- 
pel of Jesas Christ, and the evidences that manifest themselves in 
a person so called — which was a document of rare interest 
and worth; and then again he prepared a letter on the sub- 
ject of Communion the same year that he left the Broad River 
body, that should be reproduced and preserved. 

When the Green River Association was organized he 
was at once called to preside over its deliberations and con- 
tinued a prominent and leading factor in the business opera- 
tions of the body as lon^ as he lived, which was something 
over twelve years afterwards. 

He had been for many years (extending back before he 
joined the church) a very popular citizen, and had served 
several times in the Legislature of the State, and was after- 
wards elected clerk of the Superior Court, which office he 
rilled with such entire satisfaction that lie was suffered to 
hold it as by the almost unanimous consent of the people 
tor the space of about sixteen }-ears. 

In the year 18 — he married Miss Kitty White, with 
whom he lived in tender affection many years, by whom was 
born to him thirteen children — ten sons and three daughters, 
when, by the ruthless hand of death, she was taken from 
him to her reward in the skies. He afterward married a 
sec'ond wife, Miss Nancy Hampton, a most excellent lady, 
by whom was borne to him yet three more children — two 
sons and a daughter, making sixteen in all , and they all 
made a profession of religion, and one of the sons is a min- 
ister. But strange to say — of this large progeny, only five 
are known as survivors of the present period. The second 
wife died several years ago, and Elder J. M. Webb himself 
died on the 24th of April, 1854, in the 52nd year of his age. 
67 



530 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

His personal appearance will be recollected by many that sur- 
vive him. He was full six feet in height of slender, loose 
build, somewhat stooped, moved awkwardly, had large black 
eyes protected by long dark lashes, which seemed to be 
beaming with unquenchable fire ; his mouth large but thin 
lipped; his nose thin and straight, and the whole face partak- 
ing rather of the bilious temperament. His hair being very 
black, long and straight, was generally turned on the right 
side when uncovered. He was an eloquent preacher, but 
his great forte was displayed in debate, he had the faculty to 
anticipate the strong points of his opponents, and generally 
destroyed them before they could be used against him in the 
argument. In company he was generally taciturn in his manner 
and not having a very prepossessing appearance, his ability to 
grapple with obstruse questions would never be anticipated by 
a stranger, and consequently his demolishing remarks gen- 
erally came as a surprise entirely unexpected, and always 
spread dismay and confusion into the ranks of his opponents. 
He generally succeeded in bearing off the palm of victory, 
and a second trial was never desired by his opponent. 

CIRCULAR LETTER. 

To the several Churches of the Broad River Association. 

Dear Brethren : — Under the direction of a resolution of our last 
Association, weaddress you by letter upon the subject then submitted 
to our notice, to-wit : The necessity of the Agency of the Spirit of God 
in the work of Regeneration on the soul. 

In reviewing the importance of the great variety of subjects con- 
nected with the economy of man's redemptions there seems to be 
but few that would equal that to which your attention is now in- 
vited. And we are impressed with a knowledge of the fact, that we 
shall be entirely unable to do anything like partial justice of so 
much magnitude, upon which we might write volumes, wmile our 
labors are confined to, and circumscribed by, the limits of a short 
circular letter. 

We feel the more embarrassed and uneasy in consequence of the 
facts above alluded to, when we take into consideration the danger 
to which men are exposed in coming to a correct conclusion upon a 
subject, the right understanding of which virtually affect their im- 
mortal interests, which danger in a great degree arises from the fact 
that many men who set themselves up to be teachers in Israel, hav- 
ing not themselves tasted or experienced the divine influence of the 
Holy Spirit upon their own hearts, refuse the testimony and disbe- 
lieve the declarations of those who have, and by a forced construc- 
tion of the Word of God— false in fact— bring themselves to the 
conclusion that, as the Spirit has never produced a change in their 
minds, that all w T ho profess it are misguided enthusiasts, who make 
professions that are not sustained by facts. These men being or pro- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 531 

fessing to be teachers, and having a name to live, though dead, by 
their ingeneoua arguments aud laborious efforts in encompassing 
sea and land to proselyte others into a belief of their doctrine— and 
propped, as their efforts are, by a large share of the wisdom of the 
world, united to an appearance of great zeal in professing the form 
of godliness, while they deny its power, are well calculated to deceive 
and mislead the unlearned and unwary part of society, and charm 
their minds, already corrupt, into n belief of their false and danger- 
ous doctrines. 

Such considerations as the foregoing make us much desire that 
while we take up our pen to write, our limits would enable us to 
bring such an embodied view of the testimony and facts to your no-' 
tice as would present the subject in its most clear and proper light. 
In laying before you, however, such facts and arguments as our lim- 
its will enable us, we premise that it will be admitted by all as a 
sound maxim in the doctrine of theology, that God would not in His 
dealings with mankind, and in the planning of His eternal purposes 
relative to man's salvation, have introduced and brought into exer- 
cise the employment of means for which there was no necessity. As 
the necessity of a thing, however, arises from the interest we have 
in the success of a measure, and the danger there is of its failure, we 
think that we can hardly give you a correct understanding of our 
subject without showing what the true situation of man is, and in 
doing this we shall be governed by the account of his condition as 
given us in the Word of God, which account represents man as hav- 
ing once been a happy being, living in the midst of the richest abun- 
dance — enjoying the sweetest intercourse with his Divine Creator, 
and surrounded by the dazzling beauties of an unfaded Paradise. 
But this glorious view of his condition by the introduction of sin 
into the world is soon changed from its blooming appearance into 
that of gloominess, sorrows and death ; man disobeyed the command 
of his God and thereby incurred His divine displeasure, and brought 
upon himself ruin and misery ; he became a lost being — lost beyond 
recovery and hope, so far as that hope and power of recovery rested 
in himself. These facts are made manifest by proofs that we might 
introduce in a variety of ways, which would be calculated to demon- 
state the facts above set forth, a few of which, drawn from the Word 
of God, must at present suffice. "And you (said the inspired Apos- 
tle) hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and in sins." 
(Eph. ii. 1.) Again (Col. ii. 13,) "And you being dead in your sins, 
hath he quickened," &c. (Rom. v. 12, "Wherefore, as by one man. 
sin entered into the world ; and death by sin, and so death passed 
upon all men, for all that have sinned ;" and in John v. 20, it is de- 
clared that those that hear and believe have passed from death unto 
life. Many other, like Scriptural texts, might we introduce, and 
stronger still, if possible, to show that man, in the fall, had all his 
powers of spiritual life destroyed, and became lost beyond recovery, 
so far as the power of recovery rested in himself ; for death is a state 
of insensibility and inactivity, spiritually as well as literally, and a 



532 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

dead man is insensible and incapable of restoring himself to life, 
and the Scriptures abundantly declare that poor man in a state of 
nature is dead in trespasses and in sins and buried in the grave of 
transgressions That the innate depravity and corruption of the 
heart, and the habits of sin and transgression confirmed by this 
state of inbred corruption, are the poisonous deadly things that have 
slain the soul and which hath destroyed all the powers that depend 
upon a state of life, and without the possession of which none can 
be saved, about which powers we beg leave to take a passing notice. 
And 1st, it is evident that knowledge is dependent upon a state of 
life ; for a man that is dead, though he may be under the influence 
of, and surrounded by the cold damps of a loathsome grave, yet he 
has not the power of knowing what his true situation is ; andasoul, 
dead in trespasses and in sins, lie buried in and surrounded by the 
effluvia and rottenness of a dead soul, with the vilest lusts like worms 
preying and rioting in this mass of its corrupted existence, and yet 
it is unconscious of its melancholy and deplorable condition ; not 
only is man unable to know his own dread situation, but he has lost 
all saving knowledge of his God ; and although in other respects he 
may be possessed of great scientific knowledge, and a large share 
of the wisdom of the world, yet it is evident that he knows nothing 
of the character of the true God ; for the Apostle Paul declares that 
the world by wisdom knew not God, and John is very pointed on 
this subject, for he says that, "he that saith I know Him and keep- 
eth not His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in Him." 

2d. The power of sight is lost by death, and man is under the 
influence of spiritual blindness, which will be proven by reference 
to the 4th chapter of Luke and 18th verse, where it is declared that 
the coming of the Savior, with other things, was for the recovery of 
sight to the blind [See 2d Peter i. 9 ;] and many other Scriptures 
might we recite, which would go to prove that the god of this world 
hath blinded the eyes of poor sinful man, and which, united with the 
foregoing proofs, leaves the matter beyond doubt that he is under 
the influence of spiritual depravity, with all the powers of spiritual 
life destroyed, and that under these circumstances he is pressing on 
the road to everlasting misery and sorrow, without being able to see 
or know whither he is going, and what is the true extent and awful 
nature of the danger that awaits him. Being under circumstances 
like those related, man is indeed an alien and stranger, without 
hope, ruined and lost, miserable and undone, without the possession 
of a single power that could in any degree tend to his recovery. 
Aw T ful indeed ! beyond the power of the imagination to picture out, 
is the depth of that dark abyss into which we were plunged by the 
fall ! and more awful still must that state be in which man will find 
himself, if deliverance therefrom depended on himself alone. 

But, thanks to the intervention of the tender mercies of our 
God, who, in tender consideration of this, our woe-worn condition, 
and for the great love which He had in eternal wisdom, devised a 
plan and covenanted that by the employment of means embraced in 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 533 

(that plan, man should be redeemed from death, restored to life, and 
finally accepted and received into the presence and bosom of his 
Heavenly Father. 

About this covenant we shall say but little, as ou<r limits forbid. 
But the parties contracting are represented in the Scriptures to be 
-the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which form the adorable Trinity 
«or Triune. Each of which is represented as sustaining and cove- 
nanting to perform a certain office in the economy of mao's redemp*- 
tion, and in the fulfillment of which a discovery is made to a dying- 
world, and that in living beauties and loveliness the great love of 
God towards the sons of man, and the rich reward that they shall 
■reap by the accomplishment of the parts assigned to each of the high 
^contracting parties, and by which is also exhibited the Godhead in 
distinct and glorious manifestations of its eternal excellencies. For 
in the history that is given of this covenant, the Father is represent- 
ed as planning the scheme, the Son as executing it, and the Divine 
-Spirit as applying to believers the benefits of the planned and pur- 
chased redemption. We shall not stop to bring the proofs that 
might be introduced which relate to the performance of the parts 
assigned to the two first persons named in the covenant, but shall 
confine ourselves to that part which establishes the agency of the 
(third person, or Holy Spirit, in this great work, and which tends to 
the accomplishment of the great end in view, which was to restore 
man to spiritual life, and revive in him all the powers dependent 
thereon. And first, we see this agency wonderfully displayed in its 
•sanctifying influence uoou the offering or atonement made in the 
person of Jesus Christ, the body of whom became a sacrifice, and 
who, through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself without spot to 
God [Heb. ix, 1±,] which body was the gift, sanctified by the Altar, 
which Altar was the Holy Spirit, and without which sanctifying 
influence the atonement would have been rendered unfit for accept- 
ance, and never could have effected the object designed, for it is the 
Altar that sanctifieth the gift. The uniting of this sanctifying in- 
fluence with the works of the Son of God, in accomplishing the 
great end in view, is more fully established by the decided manner 
in which the Prophet Isaiah speaks in the lxi. chapter of his proph- 
ecy : he says, commencing at the 1st verse: '-The Spirit of the Lord 
God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good 
tidings unto the meek ; he hath sent me to bind up the broken- 
hearted ; to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the 
prisons to them that are bound ; to proclaim the acceptable year of 
the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that 
mourn, to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion ; to give unto them 
beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of 
praise for the spirit of heaviness." That this was spoken of the Sa- 
vior, is made manifest by reference to the 18th and 19th verses of the 
same prophecy: it is declared 'that the Spirit of the Lord should rest 
upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding," &c. 

By reviewing the foregoing facts, it will be seen how much de- 



b'M BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

pended on the aid of the Spirit in the accomplishment of oar re- 
demption, without which the atonement could not have beer* 
accepted, the righteous law of God must have remained unsatisfied'; 
the thunders of which would have roared in long and awful peals 
against a sinful and condemned world, and the fiery vengeance of 
Almighty God unappeased must have fallen upon the whole family 
of suffering man. The glorious news of redeeming grace could not 
have been preaebed without the anointing of the Holy Spirit ; th& 
poor, broken-hearted sinner must have remained without the heal- 
ing influence of the Balm of Gilead, and the mourning soul might 
in vain have turned its wishful eyes to see if there was any hope of 
deliverance from this body of death,' and long might the prisoner 
have remained enchained under the influence of that sentence, which 
is incident to the curse of God's broken law. 

The atonement, however, is by the sanctifying influence of the 
Holy Spirit made complete and acceptable to God. It now remained 
that through some channel the virtue of the death of Christ, under 
these circumstances, should be conveyed to man, and the means ap- 
plied and sanctified, so that they might produce their healing influ- 
ence in the restoration of his soul from a state of death unto a state 
of life ; for, notwithstanding the means might be provided and pre- 
pared, yet if they remain unapplied the communications of life can- 
not be produced, without which man remains as helpless as ever. 
This is effected by the declarations of the Word of God in the preach- 
ing of the Gospel, attended by the qualifying influence of the Holy 
Spirit ; for as the Son and Spirit is united in the life and death of 
Christ in making the offering complete, so w T e see that the united 
virtue of the Word and Spirit is necessary in the communications of 
life to the soul. And this explains the language of the Avjostle Paul, 
when he says, "How can we believe in him of whom we have not 
heard ? and how can we hear without a preacher ? and, how can he 
preach except he be sent?" The dispensation of the Gospel must 
be given to enable man to believe, and it must be given through a 
channel prepared by the Holy Spirit, for as the Spirit of the Lord 
God was upon Christ as the great preacher of Righteousness, it cer- 
tainly must in its qualifying degree rest upon those who come as 
ambassadors in His stead ; and if He was anointed by the unction 
of the Holy Spirit, much more is it necessary that those that come 
in His name should be. Here we might introduce testimony of the 
strongest kind in addition to that above, to show that those who 
preach the Gospel are, or ought to be, assisted by the attendant agen- 
cy of the Spirit of Almighty God. In consequence, however, of our 
confined limits, we offer only a few passages as it stands recorded in 
the volume of life, says Christ Himself. John xiv. 26. "But the 
comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in 
my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to 
your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you." [same book 
xvi. 13.] "Howbeit, when He, the spirit of truth is come, He will 
guide you into all truth [verse 16.] He shall glorify me, for He shall 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 535 

receive of mine and show it unto you." Acts ii. 4. "And they were 
■all rilled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak as the Spirit gave 
them utterance." [See Acts xv. 28, and xvi. (3, 7.] We deem it un- 
necessary to multiply proofs from this and many other texts. In the 
book of life it is plainly manifested that unless the Holy Spirit does 
attend, and give life to the Word spoken by the ministers of the Gos- 
pel, their labor is in vain; and all' those who deny its influence and 
power upon them, while dispensing the Word of Truth, most un- 
questionably have no part nor lot in this matter; and however labo- 
rious they may be in the exercise of their ministerial functions, it 
as in evidence that the Lord has not required this at their hands, 
but that they are acting the part of those who would be priests in 
JNIoses' time who were not called legally to the priesthood. After 
■such do all they can their rods remain withered, parched and drj T . 
Not so with those who preach under the qualifying influence of the 
Spirit, for while they dispense the Word of Truth, the Word is made 
spiritual food, and falls like manna around the camps of Israel ; and 
like Aaron's rod, their labors are seen to bud and bloom, and while 
they pour forth in living excellence the rich doctrines of the Gospel 
truths, the children of the Lord are feasted on heavenly delights ; 
their hearts are made to overflow with love to God, and they are 
made to dwell in rich pastures of beauteous and heavenly enjoy- 
ments. Their bosoms swell with the emotions of joy and flowing 
tears bedew their eyes, because their souls have been made glad by 
the droppings of the sanctuary, or by the reception of Heavenly life 
and love conveyed to their hearts by Gospel communications that 
ilow through the channel, prepared by the direction of God, influ- 
enced and qualified by the direct agency of the Holy Spirit,— the 
benefits of which does not stop here, but worketh life into the hearts 
of rebel sinners, who are dead in trespasses and in sins. This brings 
us to show more fully the effectual workings, and agency of the 
Spirit on the work of regeneration on the soul. That man is spirit- 
ually dead, we think we have made manifest, and if dead it is clear 
that he can never live unless life is communicated ; and if life is to 
be communicated, it is as clear that there must be a channel of com- 
munication. How the death of Christ can give a spark of life to 
those who have never heard of Christ, and who have never felt the 
workings of the Spirit, is a matter that remains in mystery and is 
not revealed, for there is no channel through which mercy can be 
conveyed from God to man, save that of Christ Jesus through a 
knowledge of and by an application of His atoning merits; for the 
Scripture saith, as much as that we cannot "believe in Him of whom 
we have not heard." "And he that believeth not shall be damned." 
Hence, we must know God ; and the power of knowledge depends 
on life, and life depends upon an application of the means of grace, 
made by the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, which is 
proved abundantly in the Word of God — a few of which proofs we 
will here introduce ; and first, Christ Himself, in His conversation 
with Nicodemus, is very much in point where He says [John iii. 3,] 



536' BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he can* 
not see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus marvelled and seemed 
to inquire, how born? and by what means? The blessed Savior 
does not tell the inquiring Ruler that man, to be able to see the- 
Kingdom of God, must be born of the flesh., or by the works of mam. 
nor by the Word alone, but informs him that except a man be born* 
of the Spirit he cannot see the Kingdom of God ; for, says He, "that 
which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that which is born of the 
Spirit is Spirit." Here we see the labors of the flesh are set aside in 
this case, and so will be all the hopes that depenjd and trust alone in* 
an arm of flesh; for the Savior further illustrates this matter by say- 
ing "that the wind bloweth where it listeth," &c-, by which a com- 
parison is made of the wind, to show that man knows not of any 
cause in himself that would influence this heavenly breath of life to* 
eome or go ; and the very word that it "blowetb where it listeth," 
seems to leave this matter beyond doubt, and proves that if the cause 
of spiritual life existed in us, that there would be s»o necessity of 
this blowing of the Holy Spirit; and also that if life was produced 
by us without spiritual aid, we should know from whence it cometh. 
But now we know it only at last in part, for so, says the Word, "is 
every one that is born of the Spirit." 

2d. Christ, in another place, says [John vi. 63 J "It is the Spirit 
that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing, the words that I speak, 
unto you, they are spirit and they are life." A plainer truth thai* 
the above could not be introduced, coming as it does from the Author 
of the whole plan, and who declares unequivocally that it isthespirit 
that quickeneth. and to quicken, all agr^e, is to make alive that 
which has no life. Hence we hope you will keep this in view while 
we bring a few corresponding proofs, which are explained by the 
foregoing passages. Also remember that the flesh profiteth nothing, 
but that it is the spirit alone which brings us. 

3d. To notice what Paul says in his epistle to the Collossians, ii. 
35. "And you being dead in your sins, hath he quickened," The 
question here is, by what means? Christ in the foregoing passage 
hath answered, "It is the spirit that quickeneth." And the same 
Apostle writing to the Romans viii. chapter gives us an enlarged ac- 
count of the Spirit's agency in the work of spiritual regeneration, 
for, says he, in the second verse "that the law of the spirit of life in 
Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin and death." By 
what law of the spirit of life ? This is also illustrated in the above 
quoted passage. Is it the spirit that quickeneth and maketh alive, 
and by its influence sets the captivated soul free from the law of sin 
and death. And thus, by an application of the merits of Christ, 
restores it again to the enjoyment of all the functions of spiritual 
life and liberty, which is effected by the word conveyed through its 
proper channel, for Christ and His Word is one, the letter of which 
cannot produce life, for, says the same Apostle, 2d. Cor. iii. 6, "who 
also hath made us able ministers of the New T Testament— not of the 
letter, but of the Spirit, for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 5a7 

life." And in Cor. xii. 3, it is declared "that no man can say that 
Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost." And in the succeeding 
verses it is stated that "there are diversities of gifts but the same 
Spirit, and there are diversities of operations, bill; it is the same God 
which worketh in all ; for to one is given by the Spirit the word of 
wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit, to 
another faith by the same Spirit ; but all these worketh that one 
and the selfsame Spirit, dividingto every man severally as he will ; ' 
and in the ii. 8 of the same book, "eye hath not seen nor ear heard, 
neither has it entered into the heart of man the things that God 
hath prepared for them that love Him, but God hath revealed them 
unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things ; yea, the 
deep things of God ; and 11th verse, "even so the things of God 
knoweth no man. but the Spirit of God ; now we have received, not 
the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we-might 
know the things that are freely given to us of God ; but the natural 
man receiveth not the things of the-Spirit, for they are foolishness 
to him ; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually 
discerned." Thus we see that not only is the quickening influ- 
ence of the Spirit necessary to the salvation of the soul, but the 
teaching influence likewise. See, in addition to the above, John 
xiv. 26 ; xvi. 7, 8, and up to the 1.3th verse of the same chapter ; and 
see also Rom. viii. 26, wherein it is said "that we even know not 
what we should pray for, but that the Spirit helpeth our infirmities 
and maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be 
uttered." Here we stop writing down the texts^at length, deeming 
those already written to be sufficient for any w T hose minds are un- 
prejudiced, to see that our positions have thereby been established ; 
yet if any have time and inclination to look further into the truths 
established by the testimony of God, in His Word, we refer them 
to the following texts, which are promiscuously given, and which 
united to that already said, will show that by the agency of the 
Spirit christians see, know, are taught, made regenerate, quickened 
and made alive from their dead state and saved from the wrath to 
come, to wit : Rom. viii. 15, 16 ; Eph. i. 13. 14; Heb. x. 15, 16 ; 2nd 
Thess. ii. 13 ; 1 Cor. vi. 11 ; Rom. xv. 16 ; Acts ii. — ; John iv. 24 . 
1 Peter v. 18; Rom. i. 4 ; 1 Cor. xv. 40; 1 Peter i. 2; Ps. Ii., from 10 
to 12 ; Ps. cxliii. 10 ; 2d Tim. i. 7; 2d Cor. iv. 13 ; Ezek. xii. 10 ; 1st 
Pet, iv. 4 ; Ezek. i. 20 ; John vii. 59 ; Prov. i, 23 ; Acts-i. 8 ; Acts xi. 
12; Gen. vi. 3,; Eph. iv. 30 ; Isa. vi. 3-10 ; Acts vii. 51, We have 
given the foregoing references because our limits will not permit us 
to set down the texts at length, connected with the reasons above 
mentioned, which united to those passages above set forth, with 
many others to which your attention might be called, show conclu- 
sively to our mind the necessity of the agency of the Spirit in the 
work of regeneration on the soul ; Tor therein it is declared that the 
Spirit giveth life and openeth the eyes of the blind — the teaching 
influence of w T hich enables us to see the necessity of a Savior's blood, 
gives us knowledge of God's dealings toward us, and the depraved 
68 



533 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

condition of our sinful hearts, discovers to us the way to the city of 
refuge— helpeth our infirmities, and.enableth us to exercise all the 
powers that depend upon a state of life, by which we are enabled to 
flee to the bosom of our adorable Savior for safety from the evils that 
surround us; beareth witness with our spirits that we are born of God, 
and children; and if children, then heirs and joint heirs with the Lord 
Jesus Christ, and finally seals us such until the redemption of the 
purchased possession. We wind up our testimony and remarks, 
Dear Brethren, upon the foregoing interesting subject, by asking 
you to take an impartial and thankful review of the facts set forth 
in this, our letter, and what great things, by the Spirit's agency, are 
communicated to the suffering condition of man ; and first, behold! 
and see in every land and in every age what great companies have 
been united to. each other by T the tenderest endearments, have joined 
hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart in their endeavors to advance the 
progress of spiritual life and faith, being themselves possessed of a 
faith that worked by love and purified the heart ! See the labors of 
the christian world all pointing to the same great end and uniting 
to save their fellow-men from ruin and miseiy ! Watchmen or min- 
isters, denying themselves the enjoyments of this present world, 
traveling under a load of sorrow, and meeting death in all its varied 
features with undaunted firmness, mark their Heavenly walk while 
they pour forth in beauteous streams the waters of God's grace into 
the hearts of thirsty sinners. See christians all uniting and bearing 
their respective burthens and sorrows while they labor with unceas- 
ing desire in the general cause ; see all together pouring forth their 
souls in prayer to God, wmich rises be 'ore His heavenly throne and 
fills the Golden Censer with sweetest incense, the odor of which de- 
lights the Almighty Ruler of the Universe and suspends the thun- 
derbolts of His wrath from falling on this guilty world ! See those 
lovely companies all uniting in fellowship and love, one for another, 
and breathing the very essence of love from and towards their God, 
and by their labors and prayers and intercessions with their Great 
Redeemer at their head, wresting their fellow-man from the dark 
abodes of death and hell ! Ask yourselves from whence comeththis 
unity of action, this success of purpose, this brotherly love and fel- 
lowship, and love to God, and you are met by the declarations of 
holy writ — that it is produced by the agency of the Holy Spirit; for 
the fruit of the Spirit is love, and love brings into action and effects 
all the good works above named. 

But list ! O, list ! what voice is this salutes the ear, and echoes 
in harmonious songs of delight from many a tongue of all nations ? 
Tongues and kindreds under the whole heaven ? Hear, this song 
begin on earth in living strains of harmonious and melodious exulta- 
tion, which comes in shouts from rich, from poor, from wise, from 
simple — that rejoices the heart in life's fairest scenes and drives the 
clouds of gloom from affliction's path ; that gives rest to the weary 
pilgrims' feet, and spreads a downy pillow for the head of a dying 
believer ; that passes the weary soul over the highest wave of Jor- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 539 

dan's stream with glad acclaim. Yea, look higher still : lift your 
enraptured vision to yonder amazing heights of dazzling bliss, where 
loud hosannas and acclamations roll unceasing through ages yet to 
come, and echoes through the fields of immortal love, which fills 
the eternity of heaven's high dome with endless delights and crowns 
of glory, and then say, O! say, to what Scion or Holy Tree are we 
indebted for this rich abundance and sweet clusters of joy, and then 
remember what the Scriptures saith — that joy is the fruit of the 
Spirit. 

Mark again the troubled ocean of man's soul, like lashing waves 
throwing up mire and dirt, darkened by the thick clouds of sin, 
which brings the tempest of God's displeasure trembling and ago- 
nizing in view of Sinai's mountain that burns with sulphurous fire. 
and shocked by the awful peals of thunder, louder and louder still, 
while the lightnings glare that burns with wrath, makes the ap- 
proaching storm more gloomy and awful still. Look again and see 
the billows cease to roll, the clouds brushed all away, th<- stormy 
thunders roar and the lightning's glare stilled into a holy, pure and 
heavenly calm, the sunshine of truth beaming light and love, and 
dazzling the whole landscape of man's existence with stillness and 
lasting peace. Rise higher still and see that peace flow like a river 
in its gentle course and wafting the delighted soul beyond the reach 
of the turbulent waves of sin and death, and ending in everlasting 
X^eace ; and wonder still, when you hear the voice of Holy Writ say, 
peace is the fruit of the Spirit, and from the same sacred fount flow 
in streams of living excellence, good works, gentleness, kindness, 
meekness, &c. And when you have taken notice of all the things 
above set forth, ask yourselves what man would do if all these glori ■ 
ous hopes w T ere lost? and lost they most assuredly will be if the Holy 
Spirit does not lend its heavenly aid in the regeneration and salva- 
tion of the souls of men from the deep abyss of sin and sorrow into 
which they have plunged themselves. And how debased and mel- 
ancholy is that existence in whom the Spirit does not dwell ! There 
is seen no love to God, no holy love for friend or foe, no lasting joy 
or lasting peace, but there the foul passions reign and sink the soul 
into endless death and misery! 

And, dear brethren in the Lord, we have not in the foregoing 
letter been able to set before you half the facts to which your atten- 
tion might have been directed. We might, if limits would have 
permitted, have drawn your minds to some very sublime and phil- 
osophical views that exist in Nature's Book, by which views reason 
might have been assisted, and the judgment informed, by walking 
through the paths of nature to nature's God, and drawing inferences 
both positive and circumstancial, which would have been of a char- 
acter strengthening, at least, to the positions and proofs taken and 
brought forward in this our letter, which has brought us to the con- 
clusions to which said positions, proofs, arguments and facts have 
landed us. We think, however, that we have said enough to con- 
vince you that the well being of the people of God, and harmony 



540 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and fellowship of the churches, as well as quickening grace, depends 
upon the indwelling of the Spirit of God in the hearts of the breth- 
ren, without whose assistance every Gospel preacher Knows he can 
not preach, — while every true christian must feel from experience 
long felt and known, that spiritual life, light, love, grace and joy 
depends upon the reception of tins holy and heavenly fire ; and to 
such we need not argue long upon points which their own feelings 
have proven. But Oh, brethren, how ought our souls to be drawn 
out to God in prayer, while we cling with jealous and anxious solic- 
itude around this our only hope of life, that He would, for His great 
name's sake revive, by His Holy Spirit the drooping state of Zion ! 
that He would send or revive the Heavenly flame in every heart, 
and be with and aid His ministers in their holy but laborious task, 
and fiJl our souls again with delightful praises-and thankfulness to 
God ; and in this we should be encouraged when we remember that 
the promise is thac if you lack, ask of God, and the glorious Re- 
deemer has promised that if we ask, it shall be given ; and many other 
like promises are left us for our encouragement. . 

Hear Brethren, pray therefore without ceasing, and remember 
too, at a throne of grace, the poor, misguided souls that have never 
tasted that life and delight given by the Holy Spirit's aid ; for most 
assuredly, if the Scriptures be true — and our own experience has not 
lied — all such, however wise, laborious, or however much they may 
feel disposed to laugh at the doctri-ne of the Holy Spirit's assistance 
and workings upon the immortal souls of men and women ; and 
however much they may have trusted to their own moral excellence, 
yet when the great day of the wrath of God is come, they will find 
to their everlasting shame and confusion that without it they will 
be like the boasting Pharisee, and will be utterly unable to stand the 
fiery indignation of His avenging stroke, but must sink in hopeless 
ruin down to the abodes of everlasting sorrow, where the wormdieth 
not, and the fire is not quenched. And further, brethren, let us en- 
deavor to sing with the Spirit, pray with the Spirit, praise with the 
Spirit, live in love, peace and joy. And may the God of peace by 
His Holy Spirit seal instruction to your every mind. 

James M. Webb. 
October 16th, 1837. 



Webb, Elder Alfred was born in Rutheford county 
about 1800 of wealthy parents, but enjoyed only common 
school advantages, working on a farm until he attained to 
the age of manhood. He was doubtless a "chosen vessel," 
and directed by the Spirit to attend the ministration of the 
Word by those eminent servants of God Dobbins and Hicks, 
the result was, he was converted and baptized into the fel- 
lowship of the church at Concord, near the home of his 
youth. Some short time afterward he felt impressed to 
speak a word for the Master, and the church licensed him 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 541 

do so about the year 1822. The next year he was chosen 
to represent the church as one of her delegates at the session 
of the Broad River Association held at Reedy River church, 
Greenville county, S. C. And the Minutes show that he 
rilled the appointment, and was marked as a licentiate. A 
short time after this session of the Association he was or- 
dained by a presbytery to the full work of the Gospel min- 
istry, probably in 1824, for he appears in the Minutes of that 
year as a delegate and ordained minister from Concord. In 
1825, Ebenezer church was constituted, and admitted into 
the Broad River body, and Elder Webb became a member and 
pastor of said church, and was chosen with Aaron Bigger- 
staff and Williamson Fortune its representatives in the ses- 
sion of that year (1826) and 1827. In the iatteryear Ebene- 
.zer with several other churches were dismissed to aid in the 
formation of the Catawba River Association, and Elder 
Webb was consequently separated from the Broad River 
body, and he continued his new relationship until sometime 
after the year 1836, when he emigrated to the State of 
-Georgia. And after connecting himself with the Georgia 
Baptists in the State of his adoption, we are informed he at 
once set about improving a defective education, in which un- 
dertaking he succeeded admirably, and soon mastered the 
Hebrew and Greek languages, besides taking a course of 
theoligical studies. By which means he became much more 
efficient in the ministration of the Word, and was consid- 
ered an able minister of the New Testament wherever he 
labored. We heard Elder Webb preach at Zion church in 
1836, then a messenger from the Catawba River Association 
to the Broad River, and the last session that he ever attended 
of that body. We considered him an able minister at that 
time, and very attractive in liis manner and gestures. He 
was a fine looking man, rather above the ordinary size, in- 
clining somewhat to corpulency, large chest, massive head 
and stentorian vioce, and very commanding in his general 
appearance. 



W x hitten, Brother James was a member of Cross 
Roads church, and joined the Broad River Association in 
1823, he was then a layman. Soon after this session of the 
body he was licensed to preach, and again chosen by Cross 
Roads to represent the church in the session of the Association 
in 1824 and 1825. He appeared in the associate body these 
years, as the Minutes show, as a licentiate. He was elected 
clerk of the Association in 1823. After this we lose sight 
of brother Whitten in the Minutes. We do not find anvwhere 



542 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

that he was ever ordained to the full work of the ministry 
while a member of the Broad River Association. He prob- 
ably removed to some other field of labor. 



Webb, Elder George Milton was born November 14., 
1831, in Rutherford county, X. C. Was converted in early 
life and baptized by Elder J. M. Webb into the fellowship 
of the Concord church in 184-4. In 1850 he married Miss 
Priscilla J. Blanton, a lady every way worthy of him, and 
they entered upon the toils of life with buoyant hopes ot 
success in the career of life. In 1857 (his church having 
joined the King's Mountain Association in 1856) he appear- 
ed in the Association as a lay delegate, and then agaiu in. 
the sessions of 1858-'59-'61. In 1863 he was licensed by 
the Concord church to preach,* and appeared in the associate 
body as a delegate and licentiate. He was ordained to the 
full work of the Gospel ministry in 1864, and again ap- 
peared in the Association as a delegate at that session. We 
believe he has attended all the sessions of the Association 
since, and in 1867- 68-'69-'70- 71 and 72 he was elected 
clerk of the body. And the Circular Letter, addressed to- 
the churches in union on the Design of Baptism y and adopted 
in 1869, was from his pen, which we reproduce in this work. 

Elder G. M. Webb is a son of the lamented James M. 
Webb, deceased, and in person resembles his parent very 
much. He has been pastor of several of the King's Moun- 
tain churches, namely : Buffalo, Pleasant Hill, Capernaum 
and others, and has preached for four churches every year 
since his ordination, and appears to be a popular pastor with 
his several flocks. Like a large number of Baptist preach- 
ers, Bro. Webb has to labor under the disadvantages of a 
defective education ; he is, however, a close student of Bib- 
lical theology, around his own hearth-stones at home, and 
to a great extent has overcome the seeming impediment. 
He has a good flow of language, and considerable back-bone 
or nerve-power, which enables him to contend earnestly for 
the form of sound words. And feeling that he is armed 
"with the sword of the Spirit," he does not quail at the 
giants of Gath, but without dismay moves straight along, 
using only the smooth stones of the Gospel from the fragile 
sling with which nature has endowed him. No one, how- 
ever, more than he, is more sensible of the fatal consequences 
of the great lack of early literary training, and he is a 
strong advocate of ministerial education. He is also a fast 
friend of Missions and Sabbath-schools, together with all 
the various appliances put on foot for the furtherance of 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 548 

Gospel of Christ. He has baptized about 800 persons 
Jiito the fellowship of the churches. 

CIRC D LA R L ETTE R . 

The King 1 ® Mountain Baptist Association— To the 'Churches in Union 

— Greeting: 

Dear Brethren: — According to an appointment it becomes our 
duty to address you, by way of a Circular; Letter, on the Design of 
Uapiism, and for a foundation we have selected from the word of 
God this text: "For as many of you as have been baptized iiito 
Christ have put on Christ." (Gal. iii : 27.) 

These words seems to us appropriate to the occasion. The As*- 
sociation is made up of just such persons as are here referred to — per- 
sons who have been baptized into Christ, and the churches they 
represent are composed in like manner of just such persons as have 
put on Christ by being baptized in His name. Our object in writing 
on this subject is, that we may consider the nature and obligations 
of the christian profession, remembering that we were baptized into 
Christ. The general design of baptism is a public and formal profes- 
sion of the Christian religion. We are baptized into Christ ; in bap- 
tism we publicly acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, our Lord and 
Savior, and declare ourselves His followers. It is a symbolic act by 
which we profess discipleship to Jesus Christ, and engage to receive 
His doctrines. Of similar import is the expression, "baptized in the 
name of Christ." The eager inquirers, on the day of Pentecost, were 
•directed to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; the 
&auiaritans, believing, were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus 
Christ. Their baptism was a public acknowledgement of the medi- 
atorial character and walk of the Lord Jesus Christ ; that is, as the 
adherents, the disciples, the followers of Jesus Christ. That this is 
the design of baptism is evident from the commission : "Go teach all 
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the fton, 
and of the Holy Ghost." Go teach, make disciples. The Apostles 
were to preach the Gospel, and in that way make disciples to Christ; 
then they were to baptize them, that they might be publicly known 
as disciples. It is certain that the. Apostles so understood the com- 
mission, for they baptized none but those they had first made disci- 
ples to Jesus Christ, in precise accordance with the instructions 
they had received from their Master. "Go make disciples, baptizing 
them," &g. In the beginning of the Gospel dispensation a consent 
to be baptized was regarded as a reception and an acknowledgement 
of Jesus' Messiahship, and a refusal to be baptized was regarded as 
a rejection of the Gospel, and a denial of His Messiah ; for it is said, 
"all the people that heard him, and the publicans justified God, 
being baptized with the baptism of John, but the Pharisees and law- 
yers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, not being bap- 
tized." [Luke vii. 29, SO.] 

We will now notice the latter clause of the text : "As many of 
you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." The 
same expression occurs in Romans: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus 



5U BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Christ, and make do provision for the flesh." So to put on Christ 
is to take Him as our teacher, our guide, our governor and our 
Savior. 'We put on Christ externally when we follow Him into the 
baptismal water ; ''('or as many of you as have been baptized into 
Christ, have put on Christ " Since baptism is designed to be the 
badge of our public profession of Christianity, it forms the visible 
boundary between the church and the world : "for except a man be 
born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom, 
of God." [John iii. 5.] By the expression, "born of water," is gen- 
erally understood the visible kingdom or Church of Christ upon the 
earth. For admission to this Kingdom the Savior here demands- 
two prerequisites— to be born of water, and to be born of the Spirit. 
No one is a fit subject for church membership until he is born of the 
Spirit —until he is baptized or born of water. Hence it follows that 
baptism is a solemn, public, formal profession of Christianity. It is- 
the initiation by which we are admitted into the fellowship of the 
church, the act by which we x assume the christian name — the badge 
of our discipleship to Christ. But this general design includes a 
number of particulars. Christianity consists of doctrines to be re- 
ceived, emotions to be felt, precepts to be practiced, and promises to- 
be trusted. In baptism we declare our belief in its doctrines, our 
experience of its emotions, our obedience to its precepts, our reliance 
upon its promises. Baptism is also an acknowledgement of our sin- 
fulness. The religion of Christ is a religion for sinners ; "they that 
are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Christ came 
not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." The ordinances 
administered by John contemplated its subjects as sinners. "John 
did baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptism of repentance 
for the remission of sins. Then went out unto him Jerusalem and 
all Judea, and all region round about Jordan, and were baptized of 
him in Jordan, confessing their sins." [Mark i. 4, 5.] Those bap- 
tized by the Apostles, as well as those baptized by John, were sup- 
posed to be penitent sinners, deeply impressed with a sense of their 
guilt. Those baptized on the day of pentecost, were the subjects of 
pungent and powerful conviction. They said unto Peter and the 
rest of the Apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then 
Peter said unto them "Kepent and be baptized every one of you in 
the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of siu, and ye shall re- 
ceive the gift of the Holy Ghost." It is clear thai the Apostles ad- 
mit none to baptism but such as declare themselves penitent sinners^ 
Saul felt himself a sinner, when, trembling and astonished, he said: 
"Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" Ananias thought Saul a 
penitent sinner when he said, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash 
away thy sins, calling on the mime of the Lord." 

Again, baptism is a declaration of our faith in Christ. It is said 
"John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto 
the people that they should believe on Him that should come after 
Him ;" that is, on Jesus Christ. The terms of the commission is, 
"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature ; 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 545 

he that belie veth and is baptized, shall be saved." In every ease 
of baptism mentioned, as performed by the Apostles, it is expressly 
affirmed or plainly intimated that the subjects declared themselves 
believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Philip taught the Eunuch that 
he must believe with all his heart before he was a fit subject for bap- 
tism. The Samaritans, when they believed in Jesus Christ, were 
baptized, both men and women. Cryspus, whom Paul baptized, 
believed in the Lord with all his house. And many of the Corinth- 
ians, hearing, believed, and were baptized. 

From all this it is plain that the design of baptism is a public 
declaration of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the foon of God 
and Savior of sinners. Again, faith in Christ implies faith in all the 
facts of the Gospel — are most strikingly symbolized in the ordinance 
of baptism. The most prominent of these facts are the death and 
resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. ''He was delivered for our 
offences and raised again for our justification." "If Christ be not 
raised from the dead, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is 
also vain." In our baptism we declare our faith in the death and 
resurrection of the Savior, and all those glorious doctrines connected 
with these great facts. How significantly are they set forth in this 
holy ordinance : "Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized 
unto Christ were baptized unto His death ; therefore we are buried 
with Him in baptism unto death, that like as Christ was raised from 
the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in 
newness of life. (Rom. vi. 3, 4.) 

Peter, speaking of the family of Noah saved by water, says: 
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not 
the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good 
conscience towards God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Bap- 
tism is symbolic of His resurrection ; hence, as Noah was saved by 
water, we, in a figure, are saved by baptism. In baptism we declare 
not only our faith in the fact of Christ's resurrection, but also in the 
doctrine of the general resurrection. In commemorating the resur- 
rection of the Savior, we anticipate our own. Some of the Corinthi- 
ans denied the doctrine of the resurrection, in proof of which Paul 
appealed to their own baptism, and says : "Else what shallthey do 
who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all ? Why are 
they then baptized for the dead ?" (1 Cor. xv. 29.) The point of the 
argument is this : if there be no resurrection of the dead, why is our 
resurrection symbolized in the ordinance of baptism ? Why are we 
required to perform an act which so strikingly sets forth the death 
and resurrection of the body ? If there is to be no resurrection of 
the body, why are we buried with Christ in baptism, if we are not 
with Him to be raised from the dead? "If we have been planted 
together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness 
of His resurrection. (Rom. vi. 5.) We declare this by being buried 
in water, and raised from the liquid grave. "Likewise reckon ye 
also yourselves to be "buried with Him in baptism, wherein ye are 
raised with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath 
69 



546 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

raised Him from the dead." From all this it is"plain that baptism 
is a metaphor, not only of the death, burial and resurrection of the 
Lord Jesus Christ, but also of the burial and resurrection of our own 
bodies. Baptism is also spoken of as the answer of a. good conscience 
towards God. (1 Peter iii. 4.) In its observance we profess to be at 
peace with God — to have our conscience void of offence, both tow r arcl 
God and man." Again, baptism is a pledge of our allegiance and 
fidelity to Jesus Christ. Believers are the property of Him — they 
belong to Him ; they are His by purchase. He has bought them. 
"What, know ye not that ye are not your own ? for ye are bought 
With a price." (1 Cor. vi. 19, 20.) In our baptism we acknowledge 
the right of Jesus Christ in us, and convey ourselves to Him as His 
property. When a piece of property is sold and the price paid, the 
purchaser is entitled to a bill of sale, or a deed conveying the right 
and title of the property to him. The believer executes such a deed 
when he is baptized. He then publicly declares that he by pur- 
chase belongs to Jesus Christ, and surrenders himself to his rightful 
owner. Believers are the servants of Christ— under the Mosaic dis- 
pensation, when a person purchased a Hebrew servant it was the 
custom of the servant to have his ear bored in token of fidelity to his 
master. (Ex. xxi, 6.) In our baptism we acknowledge Christ as our 
master, we pledge ourselves as His obedient and faithful servants. 

Again, believers are the subjects of Christ. He is their Sover- 
eign Ruler. When a foreigner emigrates to this countiy, and pro- 
poses to live under our government and laws, he must first take the 
oath of allegiance before he is entitled to citizenship. His oath does 
not change his character, but it changes his relationship, and enti- 
tles him to privileges, which otherwise he could not enjoy. So in 
our baptism, it is our oath of allegiance to Jesus Christ, as Head of 
the Church, King in Zion, Spiritual Lord and Ruler in the new cre- 
ation. When a sinner is renewed by grace, and made nigh by the 
blood of Christ, it is expected and required that he come out from 
among the w T orld and be separate, and make it manifest by taking 
the oath of loyalty to Christ. This is done in baptism ; by it we be- 
come visibly the subjects of Christ's kingdom. Clearly this is the de- 
sign of baptism, it is a solemn pledge of our attachment, our allegi- 
ance, our fidelity to Jesus Christ, as our owner, our master, our 
husband and our sovereign. Baptism, as we have seen all along, is 
declarative and emblematic. We are born of water to declare the 
fact that we have been born of the Spirit. Our bodies are washed in 
the water of baptism to signify that our souls are washed and cleansed 
in the blood of Christ. Our sins are said to be remitted in baptism, 
because in that act we declare our reliance for pardon upon the 
atoning merits of the Son of God. We are buried in the water of 
baptism, and raised again from the water, to signify that whilst our 
bodies are to die, they are, nevertheless, to be raised out of the grave. 

Again, our baptism is not the ground of our hope, not by any 
means, but it a most beautiful and impressive representation of the 
true, and only ground of hope, w T hich is based on the death and res- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 547 

urrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We think brethren, we have 
exhibited the Scriptural view of the design of baptism. It is a form- 
al and practical, profession of the Christian Religion. That is to 
say, it is an acknowledgement of our sinfulness, a declaration of 
faith, a profession of repentance, a pledge of our obedience, an ex- 
pression of our hope. In attending to the ordinance of baptism, it 
is important that it be so observed as that its design shall be an- 
swered, its entire significancy be preserved, its full meaning be 
clearly and exactly set forth. As well neglect it altogether, as to 
change its form or apply it to those to whom it does not properly 
belong, or in any way pervert its design. The design of the ordi- 
nance is not answered when it is applied to an infant, for the simple 
reason that infants are incapable of making the profession which 
baptism supposes. How can an infant believe — how can such walk 
in newness of life— how can an infant repent and exercise faith in the 
Lord Jesus Christ? These are things they have not ability to do, 
and consequently, cannot perform. Baptism is described as being 
the answer of a good conscience toward God. Is it so to an infant 
child ? To them it is neither the answer of a good nor an evil con- 
science, their consciences have nothing to do with it. Its design is 
not answered when the rite is applied to unconverted persons, 
whether infants or adults. Only such as give evidence of having 
embraced the gospel are fit subjects for baptism. 

May this important matter be duly weighed and considered by 
all professors of the christian religion, and may the blessings of God 
attend their researches, and enable them to see the truth as it is set 
forth in the Scriptures of eternal truth ! 

Fraternally, G. M. Webb. 

Sept. 27th, 1S69. 



AVilkie, Elder George appears in the Broad River 
Association first in the session of 1816, at Buffalo church, as 
a delegate from Antioch church in York county, S. C. He 
was then an ordained Minister. He was chosen pastor of 
Antioch church, and continued to represent the church in 
the Association annually until the session of 1837. About 
that time he became hetorodox in the faith, advancing what 
was termed free-will ideas. He was discarded as pastor and 
he then moved to Georgia, and soon after identified himself 
with the Methodist. After remaining in that connection for 
a time he was disciplined for intemperate habits, and some 
years afterwards died in disorder. 

Elder Wilkie was, for many years, an active and ener- 
getic minister. He preached a great deal among the Broad 
River churches, and although he was not an eloquent preach- 
er, his manner of address was of a character calculated to 
win the affections, and make good impressions upon the 



548 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

minds of Lis hearers. A great many persons professed con- 
version through his instrumentality and he baptized many 
into the fellowship of the Antioch and other churches. He 
was, however, considered by those who knew him best to be 
a very vasodilating and unstable man, in his ways, all his life, 
and many lacked eonfidence in him. On the 22nd of June, 
1831, he baptized us into the fellowship ofthe Antioch church, 
and we would rather feel to be, 

"To his foibles a little blind, 
And to his virtues ever kind. " 

But still, faithfulness becomes the household of God, 
and ail those professing to have identified themselves with 
His people, should not only endeavor to walk circumspectly 
themselves, but expose to the world's gaze the evil deeds of 
such as profess and do not the requirements of a holy calling. 
See the "journalistic part of this work in reference to George 
Wilkie. Session 1828. 



Williams, Elder Joseph M. is a native of Rutherford, 
(now Cleveland) county, N. 0. Born October 1st 1827, con- 
verted in August 1847, baptized in December afterwards by 
Elder Thomas Dixon into the fellowship of an arm of Zion, 
afterwards organized into New Bethel church. Was licensed 
by said church to preach September 15th, 1854, and ordained 
to the full work of the ministry April 16th, 1658, the pres- 
bytery consisting of Elders AVade Hill, Joseph Suttle and G. 
W. Rollins. A while before his ordination November 24th, 
1857, he had the good fortune of intermarrying with Miss 
Martha Young, of York county, S. 0., who proves to be an 
affectionate and industrious help meet to him in the rugged 
toils of life. He moved to Polk county where he now lives, 
in December 1862, when he and his better half connected 
themselves with Arrowood church a member of the Broad 
River Association. 

While he was a member of New Bethel church we find 
from the minutes ofthe King's Mountain Association that 
he served as a delegate to that body in 1854 to 1862, the 
year he identified himself with the Broad River body. Since 
then he has served the Arrowood church as pastor, and fre- 
quently represented said church in the different sessions of 
the Broad River Association and in 1877 was elected Mod- 
erator. 

We are well acquainted with Elder Williams and, while 
in his company many years ago, heard him say that his fath- 
er, who was a distiller of spirits, had, during his best days in 
early life, kept him so closely engaged in the still-house, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 549 

tnaking whisky, that he never had much opportunity to ac- 
quire an education. He was sorry it was the case for he was 
one that appreciated learning very much, and the restrictions 
laid on him had not only prejudiced his mind against the 
making of spirits but against their use as a beverage. He 
had therefore, seeing the great and irreparable evils result- 
ing from the use of spirits, resolved within himself to give 
-all the aid and comfort he possibly could to the temperance 
movement, and in order to do this as effectually as possible, 
he embraced every opportunity that presented itself to him 
to obtain all the education he possibly could to enable him 
to make a more formidable opposition. While under the in- 
fluence of these good resolutions it pleased God through the 
instrumentality of a preached gospel to convert his soul, not 
•only to the love of sobriety but to godliness in all things. He 
joined the church and tried to live the life of a christian, and 
during his experience, since he made these resolutions, we 
have not heard him, nor do we expect ever to hear him say that 
he repented the course he took in early life, to endeavor to 
frown the evil genius of intemperance. If all young men 
could only see things in the light that Elder Williams did, 
"whether from the same stand-point or not, but in such a 
way as to stimulate them to put to shame and drive out the 
iilthy and destructive practice of making, vending or using 
.ardent spirits as a beverage, from all would be decent socie- 
ty — what a great blessing it would prove to them ! And 
not only to them but to society in general ! Recollecting 
Elder Williams' remarks long ag'O when in his youth, and 
seeing and knowing how the Lord has prospered him in a 
religious point of view, we could not refrain from making 
the foregoing remarks, hoping they may be utilized to their 
fullest extent by every reader of this work who may need 
any admonition on the subject. And let all recollect the 
trite remark of the Apostle, "Let him that thinketh he 
standeth take heed lest he tall." 

Elder Williams being yet in the prime of life, through 
the providence of God, may yet accomplish much in the 
cause of the Master. He has the reputation now of being 
an able minister of the JSFew Testament May his shadow 
never grow less. 



Wilkie, Elder William is a native of Rutherford 
county, jS t . C, born about 1784, and a brother of George 
Wilkie. Was a member of Big Spring church, and appoint- 
ed a delegate to the Broad River Association in 1827. The 
same year the Big Spring church was dismissed to aid in 
the formation of the Catawba River Association, and Elder 



550 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

Wilkie became a member of that body. We have no other 
information from Minutes concerning him. We know that 
he became very deaf many years before his death, and in 
consequence of which, he seldom preached, and probably 
never did any regular ministerial work for any of the churches, 
although, we know he did preach sometimes with much 
ability, and great satisfaction to his hearers. He was what 
might be termed a Hyper Calvinist. A man of great reason- 
ing powers, and logical in his conclusions. 



Wilkie, Elder Joab is native of Eutherford county, ST. 
C, and is a son of Wm. Wilkie. He was born about 1805,. 
professed religion in earlv life and ioined the church at Bis: 
Spring, and was chosen a lay delegate to represent the 
church in the session of the Broad River Association in 1826. 
He then became identified with the Catawba River body,, 
and remained with it until after the formation ot the Green 
River Association, when he became a member of that body,, 
and we think is yet a member thereof. Elder Wilkie is a 
good pious christian minister, subject to the same drawbacks 
that cripple the usefulness of a large majorit\ T of olden time 
Baptist ministers — we mean a lack of early educational train- 
ing. He has, however, been ordained by a Presbytry to the- 
regular and full work of the Gospel ministry, and has prob- 
ably more than doubled the talents entrusted to his care,, 
and is therefore, entitled to the plaudit, "well done, good 
and faithful servant." 

White, Elder William is an ordained minister of the 
Broad River Association. He appears from the Minutes to 
•have been a licentiate in 1877, and ordained to the full work 
of the ministry 1881. His residence is near Hicksville, "N, 
C. Date of his birth not known to the writer. 



Williams, Elder Millixgton is a native of Lincoln 
county, X. C., date of birth unknown to the writer. His 
residence is near Hull's Cross Roads. He has been an or- 
dained minister about thirty two years, and has been pastor of 
the Mount Vernon church several years. We learn that 
Elder Williams, although destitute of early literary training, 
is a good pious man, of a godly walk and conversation, and 
of great service in the church of which he is a member. He 
has formerly been identified with the Catawba River Associ- 
ation. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 551 

Wrat, Elder David, is a notive a Cleveland County, 
IN". C, born July the 5th, 1826, professed conversion in ear- 
ly lite and joined tbe church at Capernaum, In 1854 he 
represented the church in the Association as a lay delegate. 
Was licensed to preach in 1855, and on Dec. 2:2nd, 1859, 
•ordained to the full work of the ministry. He assisted Elder 
W. Hill in pastoral labors until about 1808, when he emi- 
grated to the state of Texas, aud connected himself with the 
Baptist brotherhood in that state. He had some time pre- 
viously intermarried with Miss Violet R. Hunter, daughter 
•of Dr. John B. Hunter of York county, S. C, an estimable 
lady, whom by the relentless hand of death he lost, after set- 
tling in his new home. Elder Wray still lives in the State 
•of his adoption, and pursues his ministerial duties as hereto- 
fore, believing that it is the duty of every one entrusted with 
a talent to cultivate as best he may be able, until the Hus- 
bandman shall call the "several laborers to an account of 
their stewardship. He has married a second wife and still 
livse in Texas. 



White, Elder J. A. came from the Brier River Asso- 
ciation in 1877, and identified himself with the King's 
Mountain body at the session of 1878, being then a delegate 
from Shelby church. 

Elder White is a native of Alexander county, X. C, 
born Xov. 1, 1848, educated at Wake Forest College, X. C, 
and follows the business of teaching aud preaching. On his 
moving to Shelby he at once took charge of the Academical 
High School at that place, and rendered general satisfaction, 
we believe, to the patrons and friends of the Institution. 
After teaching several sessions brother White, wishing to 
engage more fully in the discharge of his ministerial duties, 
declined teaching any longer, and now has charge ol two 
churches, Antioch and Black's Station, of which he has been 
chosen pastoi\where he si devoting nearly all his time to the 
ministry of the Word. He is an excellent preacher and 
able divine. Enjoying the advantages of a classical educa- 
tion, he is able to grapple with obstruse questions, either of 
divinity or science. He is very popular with the people 
where he preaches, and, being yet a young man, he has in 
prospect many years of usefulness before him. May he be 
spared to render much service in the cause of the Master. Pie 
married Miss Maggie A. Sharpe, of York Institute, Alexan- 
der County, X. C, who is an estinable lady every way worthy 
of him. 



552 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHED 

Yarboro, Elder James H. was for a time a member of 
the King's Mountain Association and was reared within its 
bounds. He was born October 23d, 1831, converted in 1856 
and joined the church at Rock Spring, Polk county, N. C. 
and was baptized the same year by Elder Berry E. Rollins. 
He was licensed to preach by the Rock Spring church in 
Oct. 1857, and in Jan. 1863 was ordained to the full work of 
the gospel ministry by Elders Bailey Brace, Thomas Stradly,. 
Lewis MeCurry and Berry E. Rollins, constituting the pres- 
bytery. 

Elder Yarboro had obtained in the country schools a 
tolerable good English education and was for a time a stu- 
dent at Taylorsville high school in Alexander county. In. 
order to complete his education he entered Wake Forest 
College but by reason of the war coming on he left school 
a few months after entering the senior class and did not re- 
turn after the war to finish his collegiate course. 

Some time after Brother Yarboro commenced preach- 
ing he married Miss Leonora Stroud on the 19th of Februa- 
ry 1865, who proves to be an affectionate help meet to him 
while engaged in the busy and toilsome scenes of life. 

While a member of the King's Mountain Association., 
Elder Yarboro has been prominent in the body as a preach- 
er and business man, appointed sometimes to preach the in- 
troductory sermons and write the annual Circular Letters to 
the churches in union. At the session of 1866 it will be seen 
by reference to the minutes of that year, that he took a very 
active and praise worthy part in healing the breach that had 
taken place in the Association in regard to temperance. And 
at the session of 1868 he was honored with the appointment 
of Moderator of the body, the duties of which he discharged 
very creditably to himself and entire satisfaction to the mem- 
bers. At the same session the Circular Letter prepared by 
him on Missions was adopted by the body which we here re- 
produce as being considered worthy of perservatiom Elder 
Yarboro follows the business of teaching and is now en- 
gaged in running a high school of much merit at Forest City, 
Rutherford county, N. C. So, that as Elder or Professor, he 
is an active worker in the cause of the Master. As he is still 
living and in the prime of life and manhood we will add no 
more. 

circular letter. 
The King's Mountain Baptist Association, to the Churches in Union 

sendeth christian salutation. 

Dear Brethren : — According to an appointment of your body at 
its last session, we address you npon the great and important subject 
of Missions. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 553 

The primitive christians, under the guidance of the Kol\ Spirit, 
uniformly enforced their instructions, by tender appeals to the ex- 
ample, sufferings and death of our ascended Lord. It was, therefore, 
the last command of our Savior to His disciples to go "teach all na- 
tions, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son. 
and of the Holy Ghost." In order to obey this injunction, there are 
three things which should be inseparably asociated with the people 
of God. First, humility of heart, because Christ "humbled Himself 
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross." 
Second, purity of life, because Christ "gave Himself for us that he 
might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a pecu- 
liar people." Third, liberality is required, because Christ "though 
1 He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His 
poverty might be rich." 

So, in arriving at the true idea of the spirit of Missions, the 
proper course evidently is to look at the missionary character of the 
Lord Jesus Christ. He was indeed a missionary; He came to save 
the lost; He was a missionary to us. We were under condemnation, 
the sentence of God's righteous law was against us, the flaming 
sword of Divine vengeance w r as against us. To save the lost, then, 
was the spirit of Christ. The apostles imbibed this spirit, and this is 
the spirit of missions. The heathen are in a lost condition, and if 
we possess the spirit of Christ we w T ill do what we can to save them. 
The spirit of Missions is not something different from, or something 
superadded to the christian spirit, but is simply essentially and em- 
phatically the spirit of Christ ; it is compassion for the destitute, and 
such compassion as leads the possessor to put forth powerful efforts, 
and to undergo, if necessary, the severest suffering. 

When we try to look into the manifestation of the spirit of 
Christ, we see very evidently the great outlines of what is worthy to 
be called the spirit of missions. Behold the condescension of the 
Savior, and w T e learn a lesson of duty towards the destitute and de- 
graded of the human race. The Son of God, before whom ten thou- 
sand times ten thousands of thousands prostrate themselves ; this 
Infinite Being empties Himself of His Glory and comes down to toil 
suffer and die, for whom? For us, worms of the dust, insects that 
may be crushed in a moment before His wrath ! 

When the millions and hundreds of millions of our race come up 
before our imagination, when we behold them sunk into untold vio- 
lence, covered in abominations, dropping one after another as fast as 
the beating of our pulse.twenty millions a year into the world of spirits 
should not our. Savior's last command bear with irresistable force 
upon us? We, brethren, should regard ourselves under God, as the 
means of saving them from perdition. We have idol gods without 
number to destroy, a veil of forty centuries thick to rend, a horrible 
darkness to dispel, hearts of stone to break, a gulf of pollution to pu- 
rify, nations, in God's strength to reform and regenerate ; but to do 
this requires a spirit of liberality, and such liberality as will induce 
us to contribute of our means so as to send the gospel to all destitute 
70 



554 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

locations, so far as we may be able. But alas ! how small the sum 
appropriated by a million and a half of God's stewards to save and 
elevate a sinking world ! The price of earthly ambition, conveni- 
ence and pleasure is counted by millions. Navies and armies have 
their millions, railroads and canals have their millions, colleges and 
schools have their millions, excessive fondness of the alluremements 
of dress and vain glory have their millions, parties of pleasure and 
licentiousness in high life have their millions, and what has the 
treasury of God and the Lamb to redeem a world of souls from the 
pains of eternal death and to rill them with unspeakable joy ? The 
sum is so small in comparison to the wealth of our churches that our 
tongues refuse to utter it. 

Money, though greatly needed, is by no means all that 'is re- 
quired of God's people, bodies and minds are wanted, the bone and 
sinews of men are required. These more substantial things are needed 
as well as money in arduous services at home and still more self- 
denying labor abroad. The pleasure of doing good is the joy of angels, 
it is the thrill of delight which pervades the soul of Jesus. * Let us 
then try to obey His last command. The heathen world, as a mass 
has been left to perish, and by whom ? Not by the Father of mer- 
cies ; He gave His only Son to redeem it. Not by the Savior of sin- 
ners ; behold, and see his agonies on Cavalry, not by the Holy Spirit, 
His influences have always been ready, not by the angels, their 
wings have never yet become w r eary or tiresome when sent on 
errands of mercy. All that heaven could do has been done consist- 
ently with the all-wise arrangement of committing an important 
agency to the church of Jesus. 

The church has been slothful and negligent. Each generation 
of christians has in turn received the vast responsibility neglected it 
in a great measure and transmitted it to the next. Is it true that 
the heathen world is sinking into bell f As fast as time rolls on 
they are passing into the world of retribution and the inquiry is, 
what is the doom they meet ? Do they arise to meet and unite with 
angels in the songs of glory ? or do they sink in ceaseless and untold 
torments ? 

Certain it is that they _ are not saved through faith in Christ, for 
"how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard ? " It 
is also clear that God, in His usual method does not bestow the gift 
of repentance and eternal life where a Savior is not known. "It 
pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that be- 
lieve." Those who are saved are said to be "begotten by the word 
of truth — born of the word of God." As the heathen nations there- 
fore, are not furnished with the means of salvation, it follows that as 
a mass, at least they are lost. They are the nations that have forgot- 
ten God and shall be turned into hell. 

It is unnecessary for us to enter into any inquiry whether it is 
possible for the heathen, unacquainted with the gospel, to be saved. 
All that concerns us is, to know that God has ordained the preach- 
ing of the gospel as the means of saving the nations. It is not rea- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 555 

sonable, therefore, to suppose that God will transplant the vine of 
Sodom, unchanged in its nature, to over-run His Paradise above. 
He will not throw open the gates of His Holy City and expose its 
peaceful inhabitants to those hearts of cruelty and to those whose 
hands are red with blood. There is then, no hope of converting the 
heathen if christian nations do not send them the precious gospel, but 
this mass of corruption and pollution must disgorge itself into the 
pit of an awfull hell. 

And shall the churches of our own land, with all their peculiar 
advantages to send the gospel into all parts of the world, lie dormant 
and neutral while a sinking world is crying for help ? But oh ! how 
astonishing it is to see what a small amount of what we claim in 
this life is appropriated to the evangelization of the world. It would 
be, perhaps, a large estimate to say that the professed christians of 
the United States give twenty cents per annum, on an average, for 
the spread of the gospel of Jesus. There is indeed a deplorable defi- 
ciency in our churches of the deep devotion and missionary spirit of 
our ascended Lord. 

Money is not wanting when lucrative gain is the end in view T . 
Professed christians can collect together large sums of money when 
some great enterprise promises a good income. What is it that the 
American christian could not accomplish for Christ if their hearts 
and feelings were as much enlisted in His cause as they are in the 
accumulation of worldly gain ? The world would soon have the gos- 
pel preached in all the benightened regions, and the wheels of Zion 
would roll on conquering and to conquer. It is certainlv the duty 
of the churches and ministry to put forth more strenuous efforts, to 
build up and sustain the gospel in all destitute regions. We know 
this to be so from the injunction of our Savior to the primitive 
christians. Was not Jerusalem an important place ? far more im- 
portant, compared with other cities of that time than any city in 
the United States ? And yet all the Apostles, except one, were re- 
quired not only to leave that city, but to go beyond the limits of 
Palestine. Antioch was an important mace, yet Paul and Barnabas 
were not suffered to remain in that City. Thus in the early ages of 
the gospel dispensation the gospel was carried into destitute regions 
by missionajies, and as much as some persons may oppose mission- 
ary operations, we from the Scriptures, regard it as an apostolic and 
scriptural work, and brethren, it is a difficult, important and respon- 
sible work. The Holy Spirit thought so in apostolic times, because 
when a man was needed to preach to Cornelius and his household, a 
man of just such ability and influence as Peter was sent, and when 
the gospel w T as to be preached in Antioch, Barnabas, a man of great 
piety and influence was sent. And when two preachers were called 
to go to the heathen, we see that Simeon, Lucius or Mancan were not 
chosen but the Holy Ghost said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul," 
men of greatest ability, experience, piety and wisdom. And thus it 
seems that the work of a missionary requires talents, more mature 
wisdom and deeper piety, than pastoral charges in the largest and 



536 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

most influential churches. And brethren, this idea seems to accord 
perfectly with the instructions of the Holy Ghost as well as with 
the dictates of common sense. WeaK men were riot chosen in the 
apostolic age to penetrate into the very midst of the enemy and to 
grapple with the enemies of Christ, but the strong, the powerful and 
influential were selected to bear the gospel into the enemy's land. 
And surely, if talent, ability and influence are needed any where in 
all the kingdon of oar blessed Redeemer, it is needed in the great 
and important work of missions. 

Let us then brethren try to discbarge our duty so far as we can 
in this gTeat work, both foreign and domestic, so as that the record- 
ing angel shall not be compelled, with aching heart and streaming 
eyes, to inscribe Ichabod on our Zion, but with willing soul and 
ready hands shall write in fairer lines, ''Beautiful for situation the 
joy of the ivhole earth ! ' ' Fraternally, 

September 21, 1868. James H. Yarboro. 



•0 — 0- 



CHAPTER VII, 



SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES OF THE BROAD RIVER BAPTIST 
ASSOCIATION. 



Abingdon Creek Church is situated in Union County, 
S. C, near a creek called Abingdon creek from which the 
church, we suppose, derived its name. It is situated a few 
miles from Smiths' Ford, on main Broad River, and has a 
membership of 79 persons. It was organized mainly through 
the missionary labors of Elder Jno. Tollison in 1875, that 
being the date of the Constitution. This church has good 
surroundings and ample material for building up a strong- 
hold, at this place, for the Baptist denomination. It only 
needs proper cultivation. Elder L. B. Vaughn was the pas- 
tor of the church in 1876, after which Elder J. Tollison again 
took charge in 1877, Elder J. R. Osment in 1878, Elder T. 
H. Mullinax was pastor in 1879 and Elder W. L. Brown is 
now the pastor from 1879 to 1882. The pastors salary is re- 
ported at §75.00. J. R. Tollison, Smith's Ford, S. C, is 
church clerk. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 557 

Arrowood Church is situated on the Mills' Gap road 
r miles westerly from Cowpens battle-ground and about 
<the same distance south-westerly from Island Ford, on main 
Broad River, in Polk County, S". C. It was constituted Feb- 
ruary 24th 1844, and joined the Green River Association at 
its session of the same year. In 1856 the Arrowood church 
'became a member of the Broad River Association, at her 
session at Sulphur Springs church, and has continued such 
until the present time. Since she left the Green River body 
Elder A. Padgett washer pastor until 1858, Elder J. S. EzelL 
till 1862, Elder A. A. McSwain in 1862 and '63, Elder J. 
M. Williams from 1864 to '66, Elder G. M. Webb in 
1867 and , '68, Elder J. M. Williams again in 1869 
•consecutively until 1877, and Elder J. Ii. Yarboro from then 
to the present time. (1882.) The church numbers 204 mem- 
bers. The present corps of deacons are R. L. Nathins, T. 
J. McKinney, John Clements, Jonas Yassy and Perry Carter. 
The present pastor is Elder A. J. Bonner, who appears to be 
•an efficient and acceptable minister. R. L. Watkins is clerk 
of the church, Hicksville, N. C. 



Bethesda Church is situated in Spartanburg county, 
8. C, about two miles from Glendale on Lawson's Fork and 
through the ministerial labors of Elder Thomas Weathers 
and others, it was organized and constituted some time in 
the year 1821, and at the session of the Broad River Associ- 
ation held the same year at Zion church in Rutherford (now 
Cleveland) county, N. C it was admitted as a member of 
said body, Elder Thos. Weathers, John Poole and James 
Haynes being her representatives. She then had a member- 
ship of fiifty-eight persons, and Elder Thos. Weathers was. 
her pastor. In 1830, Elder Abram Crow was called to the 
pastorate, who continued till 1832. From then to 1835 Elder 
Joshua Richards was pastor. In 1835 to '37, Elder D. Scruggs; 
from 1837 to '39 Elder Joshua Richards again tilled the pas- 
toral office From 1839 to '45, Elder S.^Drummond, from 
1845 to '48, Elder T. Dixon; from 1848 to '51, Elder J. S. 
Ezell; in 1851, Elder W. Lankford; from 1852 to '55. Elder 
J. Lee; in 1855, Elder F. W. Littlejohn; from 1856 to '59, 
Elder Richard Woodruff; from 1859 to '66, Elder J.Lee; 
from 1866 to '68, Elder L. Yauo;hn ; in 1860-70-71, Elder 
B. Bonner; in 1872, Elder W. G. Morehend; in 1873, Elder 
L. B. Yau^h; in 1875-76, Elder J. E. King; in 1878-79, 
Elder W. M. Foster; in 1880-'81, Elder J. 6. Carter; in 
1882, Elder W. T. Tate. 

This church now numbers 77 member. Her present 



558 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

corps of deacons are J. J. Lee, W. C. Carter and W. 3T 
Brown. J. C. Brown, Church Clerk, Glendale, S. C. 



Bivingsville Church is situated in Spartanburg county,. 
S. C, on Lawson's Fork Creek, in Glendale, a factory town 
formerly known as Bivingsville, from which this church de- 
rives its name. It was constituted July the 4th 1876, and 
the same year joined in the organization of the Spartanburg 
Association, at New Prospect church. She remained with 
that body until the session of the Broad River Association in 
1879, when, for reasons satisfactory to the parties concerned,, 
she joined the Broad River body and is yet a member of the 
same. At that time she reported a membership of eighty 
persons, Elder J. S. Ezell her pastor. At the session of 188 2 r 
she reported 109 members, and pastors salary $60.00. Her 
present corps of deacons are Hugh Thomas Wm. Thomas, 
J. A. Brown, Geo. T. Walker, Geo. Ward and Jas. Thomas. 
J. A. Brown, church clerk, Glendale, S. C. 

Note. — Bivingsville church is near the historic SwafFord's Old 
Iron Works where the Whigs of 177t> gained a victory over the Brit- 
tish Red Coats and Tories. 



Beaverdam Church (Broad River) is situated on the 
A. L. R. R., 4 miles south of Gaffney City, Spartanburg- 
county, S. C, and was constituted by a presbytery on the 
17th day of July 1880, and the same year admitted to mem- 
bership in the Broad River Association at her session at 
Cedar Springs church. This church when admitted had a 
membership of 23 persons, and had Elder A. D. Davidson 
as her pastor. Her present corps of deacons are J. W. 
Quinn and J. P. Whelchel. J. W. Quinn, Church Clerk, 
Gaffney City, S. C. 

This little church has not reported contributions to 
pastor, or religious objects of any kind, as she is doubtless 
struggling for existence in an infantile state. 



Browks' Chapel Church is situated in Spartanburg 
county, S. C, near the Trough Shoals, on Pacolet River, 
about eight miles below Clifton Mills. It was constituted 
by a presbytery October the 23rd 1871, Elder L. B. Vaughn 
being her pastor, who, with Elder E. S. V. Bryant and oth- 
ers, had taken an active part in the organization of the 
church. At the session of the Broad River Association, the 
same year, at Philadelphia church, the Brown's Chapel 
church was admitted to membership with that body, having 
then a membership of 31 persons in fellowship. Elder L. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 559 

IB. Vaughn continued in the pastorate from the time of the 
constitution of the church till 1882. The church now num- 
bers eighty-four members, and pays $75.00 as pastor's salary, 
but makes no special report of a Sunday school, or contribu- 
tions for missions, or other benevolent objects now engaging 
so generally the attention of the churches throughout Onris- 
tendom. The following is the present corps of deacons 
serving this church: G. W. Brown, Sr,, W. T. Bryant, S. 
M. C. McKinney and R. W. Spake. S. Spake, Church 
€lerk, Paeolet Depot, S. C. 



Buck Creek Church is situated in Spartanburg county, 
S. C, near to a stream so called from which the church de- 
rives its name. It is located about halfway between Paris' 
Bridge and Coulter's Ford on Pacolet River, distance from 
Spartanburg village twelve miles easterly with beautiful sur- 
roundings. This venerable church was first a member of 
the Bethel Association, being constituted by a presbytery in 
the year 1779. The Broad River Association Was organized 
in 1800 and Buck Creek having been dismissed by letter 
became a constituent member thereof. Elder John Bank- 
stone being a member of this chur«.h was called to the pas- 
torate, and was probably its first pastor alter the formation 
of the Broad River Association. Brethren John Cantrell, 
John TuMier and Charles Cantrell were probably the first 
deacons of the Buck Creek Church. 

It does not appear from the minutes of the Association 
that the church had any regular pastor until Elder Zeehariah 
Blackwell, in 1822 joined it by letter who officiated as such 
until 1825.. In 1823 Brother Jacob Cantrell appears to 
have been licensed to preach by this church, who doubtless 
assisted Elder Blackwell in the administration of the Word. 
From 1825 to 1830 Elder Abram Crow was pastor, after 
which the church appears destitute until 1832 when Elder 
Berryman Hicks was chosen, who continued until 1839, or 
to the time of his death which took place that year. Elder 
J. M. Webb became pastor in 1840 and continued till 1844. 
Elder J. Kuykenclal having joined this church by letter 
served as pastor till 1846, Elder D. Scruggs then served till 
1849. The church was destitute in 1849-'50. Elder D. 
Scruggs again served in 1851. Elder L. H. McSwain in 1852 
-'53,"Elder J. M. Webb in '54-'55, Elder J. G. Landrum in 
>56-'57-'58. Elder B. Bonner in 1859- , 60-'61, Elder J. S. 
Ezell in '62, Elder A. Padgett in '63, Elder J. M. Webb 
again in '64-'65, Elder J. S. Ezell in '66 to 7 i, Elder B. 
Bonner in '71 to '78, Elder J. M. Williams in 78 to '80, 



560 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

Elder W. M. Foster in '80, Elder J. II. Yarboro in '81 and 
Elder W. T. Tate in '82. 

This church has a membership of 226 persons and pays- 
$100.00 to her pastor. The present corps of deacons are 
M. McKinney, Henry Paris,. Nathan Paris, W. W. Turner,. 
J.J. C. Ezell and F. H. Cash, W. P. G. Ezell, Church 
Clerk, Martinsville, S. C. 

In reviewing the list of pastors the names of some of 
the most gifted ministers of the Association appear, and 
the representatives of the church in the different sessions of 
the Association embrace some of the most worthy citizens 
of Spartanburg county. The Pooles, Ezells, Bonners T Hines y 
Dobbins, Linders, Cooleys, etc. It is needless to eulogize- 
these men, for their pious walk and godly conversation, as- 
they were well known to many. May their worthy deeds in the 
cause of the Master be emulated and copied by their survi- 
vors ! 



Camp's Creek Church is situated near a stream having- 
that name, which runs into main Broad River, and is in 
Cleveland county, N. C, about two miles southerly from the 
old Champion's Ferry (now Settlemeyr's Ferry.) and about 
six miles nearly North from Gaffney City on the air-line 
railroad. 

Owing to the loss of church records we have failed in our 
researches to be able to give the precise date of the constitu- 
tion of this church, but we find from an examination of the 
minutes of the Broad River Association that at the session 
of 1822, at Mount Zion church, the "Camp's Creek Church' 7 
was admitted as a member of that body, which doubtless 
was the first opportunity she had to make application after 
being constituted some time in that same year. When or- 
ganized the church had 37 members, and Elder B. Hicks 
appears to have been the first pastor. Lewis Jones, Moses 
Davidson and David Humphries were probably the first 
deacons. Elder B. Hicks continued in the pastorate until 
1834 when Eider John Padgett served one year. Elder D. 
Scruggs then served until 1838. Elder Z. Blackwell served 
in 1839, Elder S. G. Hamilton in '40, Elder Joab Wilkie in 
'41-'42-'43, Elder D. Scruggs aeain in '44, Elder W. B. Pad- 
gett in '45 to '50; in '50 and '51 Elder J. S. Ezell served, in 
'52 and '53 Elder J. G. Kendrick was pastor, in *54ElderT. 
Dixon, in '55-'56-'57 Elder J. S little served, in '58 Elder P. 
E. Elam, in '59-'60-'61-'62 Elder D. Scruggs was again pas- 
tor, in '63 Elder J. G. Kendrick again served, in '64-'65-'66- 
67-'68 Elder B. Bonner was pastor, in , 69-'70-'71-'72-'73 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 561 

Elder A. A. McSwain served as pastor, in 74 Elder T. II. 
Mullinax, in 75-76 Elder J. G. Carter served, in 77-78 
Elder J. E. Burgess served, in 79- , 80 Elder W. M. Foster 
and in '81- : 82 Elder A. MeMahan was pastor. 

The Camp's Creek Church has enjoyed good meetings 
frequently and the brethren have the reputation of being 
hospitable to strangers. She reports a membership of 135. 
No report of Sunday School is made in the minutes, nor is 
there any report of contributions for missions or other be- 
nevolent objects. 

Her present corps of deacons are D. G. Palmer, S. R. 
Humphries and J. E. Wood. The church clerk is J. T. M. 
D. Helton, Byarsville, N. C. This church is incorporated 
and prohibits the sale of ardent spirits within three miles of 
their meeting house, this fact serves to show that they have 
doubtless heretofore been greatly annoyed by the forces of 
prince alcohol. W. B. Padgett, a deposed minister, was 
licensed to preach by this church. 



Cedar Springs Church is situated in Spartanburg coun- 
ty, S. C, on the Glenn Springs road, near the famous Cedar 
Springs, a point of interest in the history of the revolutiona- 
ry war, from which the church derives its name. Its loca- 
tion is about four miles nearly south from Spartanburg vil- 
lage and about three miles south-easterly from Glendale on 
Lawson's Fork of Pacolet river. 

This church, agreeable to the minutes of the Association 
of 1861, was constituted in 1787. Its first pastor was Elder 
Joroyal Barnett, and the first deacons were Wm. Lancaster, 
Wm. Underwood and Thos. Weathers, the latter of whom 
afterwards became a minister. Wm. Lancaster was the 
clerk of the church, who was also clerk of the Association 
from the time of its organization until 1812, or eleven years. 

The Cedar Spring church had formerly been a member 
of the Bethel Association, and was dismissed therefrom to 
become a constituent member of the Broad River Associa- 
tion in its organization in 1800. It has some attractive his- 
toric features in reference to its religious progress, and revo- 
lutionary war incidents, which if fully detailed would form 
a volume of much interest. Besides Cedar Springs has been 
for many j'ears the seat of learning where that unfortunate 
class of deaf and dumb and blind have received instructions 
in the rudiments of the English language. The church has not 
only been made historically famous by thesethings, but more 
especially by reason of the many cultivated minds that have 
from time to time adorned its membership, and served in the 
various high places of trust both in the cburch and also in 
71 



562 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

State. The names and charitable deeds of many of her 
numbers will not soon be forgotten, who were ever found 
ready to give timely assistance to every good and worthy 
cause, to say nothing of their unfeigned love of their church 
at home which appeared at all times manifest and abounding. 
The following ministers have from time to time had the 
pastoral care of this church: Elders Jo royal Barnett, H. 
McDougal, E. Ray, D. Scruggs, M. C. Barnett, J. G. Kiti- 
drick, J, S. Ezell, B. Bonner, M. V. B. Lankford, W. L. 
Brown, G. S. Anderson, J. M. C. Breaker, R. Woodruff, J. L. 
Vass, L. C. Ezell. Eot exactly, however, in order of their 
names as here entered. The church does not report a Sun- 
day school in the Minutes of the Association, nor does she 
report the amount of her contributions for missions or other 
benevolent objects. She pays her pastor one hundred dol- 
lars annually, and has a membership of 144 persons. Her 
present corps of deacons are Monroe Barnett, James K. 
Finch, Washington Poole and W. F. Coggins. S. M. Bag- 
well, Church Clerk, Cedar Springs, S. C. 



Cherokee Creek Church is situated in Spartanburg 
county, S. G, about seven miles from Settlemyer's Ferry 
and about nine miles northwest from Gaffney City on the 
Air-line railroad. 

This church w r as constituted on the 22d day of August, 
1879, and the same year was admitted to membership in the 
Broad River Association at its session at State Line church. 
When constituted it had a membership of 57 persons, with 
Elder John Ruppe as pastor. In 1881- ? 82 Elder A. C. Irvin 
was pastor, and the church had increased to eighty-five mem- 
bers in fellowship, and the prospects were good for building 
up the cause of Christ in this hitherto neglected locality. A. 
B. Ruppe, church clerk, Grassy Pond, S. C. 



Clifton Church is situated in Spartanburg county, S. 
C. in the Factory town of the same name, formerly called 
"Huricane Shoals," on Pacolet river, about eight miles east- 
erly from Spartanburg village and on the South side of the 
air-line railroad. 

This church w T as constituted on the 27th day of March, 
1881, by a presbytery of Elders, T. J. Taylor and J. G. Car- 
ter, and at the session of the Broad River Association held 
that year at Corinth Church in Spartanburg county, S. C. 
it was admitted as a member of said body, Bro. B. E. Pen- 
tuff being her representative, and the church then having a 
membership of ten persons only. Elder W. T. Tate was 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 563 

called to the pastorate in 1882, and the Minutes of the Asso- 
ciation for this year show the present membership to be 9-3 
persons and the pastor's salary $125.00. 

The deacons are R. M. Crocker, 1ST. J. Ilollifield, L. R. 
Lancaster, J. 11. Hamriek and W. B. Sorgee. W. T. Whit- 
aker is church clerk, Clifton, S. 0. 

The prospects are very good for the building up of a 
strong and active church in this flourishing manufacturino: 
town. Much is anticipated from the zealous ministerial la- 
bors of Elder W*. T. Tate, who is in the prime of life and at 
all times manifesting a disposition to do faithful work in the 
Master's vineyard. 

Brother B. E. PentufT, of the Clifton Church, has been 
licensed to preach the gospel and is making educational 
preparations for the better discharge of his ministerial duties. 



Corinth Church is situated in Spartanburg county, S. 
C, about 5 miles south from Gaffney City on the Air Line 
Railroad. This church was organized mainly through the 
ministerial labors of Elder T. K. Pursley, some time in the 
year 1842, and at the session of the Broad River Association 
held the same year at El Bethel church it was admitted to 
membership with that body. When this church joined the 
Asssociation she had twenty-one members in fellowship, 
and Elder T. K. Pursley was then her pastor, who continued 
to discharge his duties as such until 1850. Elder Thomas 
Curtis, D. D., served in 1850-'51, in 52-'53-'54-'55 Elder T. 
K. Pursley was again pastor, in 56-'57-'58 Elder J. Lee serv- 
ed, in 59-'60 Elder J. J. Jones, in '61 Elder J. Gibbs, in '62, 
Eider T. J. Campbell, in '63 Elder T. K Pursley again 
served, in 64-'65-'66-'67 Elder J. Gibbs again served, in '68- 
'69-70 Elder J. K. Lee, in '72 Elder J. Lee, in '73-74 Elder 
John Tollison, in 76-77-78-79-'80-'81-'82 Elder John G. 
Carter served as pastor. Corinth Church has now a mem- 
bership of one hundred and twenty-eight persons, pays to 
her pastor §50.00, but does not report a Sunday school, or 
other benevolent objects as being fostered by her. It is 
hoped, however, her Lord's mone}^ is actively employed in 
some worthy object. The following are her present corps 
of deacons : Z. Philips, John Pettit and Wm. Welchel. Z. 
Philips, church clerk, Bowlinsville, S. C. 



Cowpens Church is situated on the Air-line railroad in 
Spartanburg county, S. C. at the station so called, which is 
about ten miles southeasterly from the Cowpens battle 
ground, from which historic place the station and church 



564 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

derive their names. It is located about ten miles west of 
Gafrney City, a flourishing town on said railroad. 

Through the efforts and ministerial labors of Elders T. 
J. Taylor and J. H. Yarboro the church was organized and 
constituted on the 13th of August, 1878, of 34 members, the 
most of whom had been dismissed from other churches for 
this object. At the session of the Broad River Association 
the same year the Cowpens church was admitted to member- 
ship in that body, J. H. Yarboro being their pastor. In 1880 
Elder T. J. Taylor served as pastor and in 1881-'82 Elder J. 
G. Carter served said church. 

The number of members now in fellowship is reported 
71. The Minutes contain no report of minister's salary or 
other contributions to benevolent objects. The present corps 
of deacons are A. W. Brown, R. R. Brown and I. W. 
Moore. J. A. R. Wilkins, church clerk. 



El Bethel Church was admitted as a member of the 
Broad River Association in the year 1803 at her session at 
New Salem Church in Rutherford county, N*. C. It is prob- 
ble she was constituted some time in that same year, the 
precise date, however, we are unable in our researches to as- 
certain. 

This church is situated in Union county, S. C, on the 
main public road leading from Star Farm to Gowdeysville 
surrounded by a wealthy and refined neighborhood, the 
population of which has the reputation of being kind and 
hospitable. 

It appears from the Minutes of the Association that Elder- 
Jacob Crocker was the first pastor of this church and J. Pet- 
ty, I. Guyton and A. Guy ton, were among the first deacons. 
The church, at the time of its admission into the Association, 
had only 21 members in fellowship, and it does not appear 
that the little band of worshippers had any regular pastor 
until after the removal of Elder Jacob Crocker in 1828. In 
that year Elder W. Walker was called to the pastorate, and 
continued until 1834, in '34 Elder George Wilkie served in 
the pastoral office, and continued until '36, from that time 
until '47, Elder D. Scruggs served, when Elder F. W. Little- 
john served from then to '52, Elder R. P. Logan served in 
'52, Elder D. Scruggs again served until 56, and Elder F. 
W. Littlejohn again served in 57, Elder J. G. Kindrick in 
58, Elder W. Curtis in '59, Elder D. Scruggs as^ain served 
until '64, Elder W. Hill in '65, Elder T. W. Smith served 
until '70, Elder M. C. Barnett until '73, (the year of his death.) 
Elder W. L. Brown until '81, and Elder A. McA. Pitman 
in ? 81-'82. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 565 

The present membership of El Bethel is one hundred 
and eighty-nine persons, and she pays $150.00, pastor's salary. 
Her contributions to missions and other benevolent objects 
do not appear in the Minutes of the Association. The 
■church is engaged in Sunday school work, but does not 
report in the Minutes. 

The following is her present corps of deacons : A. S. 
Goudelock, W. L. Goudelock, G. T. Wood, J. T. Moore- 
liead, J. D, Jeffries, S. R. Thaekstou, T. M. Littlejohn and 
•J. R. Jeffries. AV r . L Goudelock, clerk of the church, Star 
Farm, S. C. 

Elder M. C, Barnett's last resting place is in El Bethel 
Cemetery. 



Friendship Church is the oldest of any of the Broad 
River churches, and agreeable to the best information that 
we can get, was constituted by a presbytery of ministers in 
1765. In 1800 the Broad River Association was organized 
and Friendship then belonging to the Bethel Association be- 
■came a constituent member of the Broad River body and has 
-continued in that connection ever since. The first pastor 
this church had after joining the Broad River Association 
was Elder George Brewton, a very worthy and able preacher. 
AVe men don the names of Ben j. Bearden, Nathaniel Burton, 
John Thornton and Sand. Smith who were once deacons 
and members of this church in days of yore, some of whom 
are still represented by worthy descendants. 

There are 166 members reported as belonging (in 1882) 
to this ancient church, but we do not find that any Sunday 
School is reported in the Minutes of the Association or any 
amount of contributions to the different objects of associa- 
tional work. We, however, are well assured that she is a 
working body and has been the foster mother of many pious 
christians, some of whom after being baptized into her fel- 
lowship have been dismissed and joined to other churches, 
while man}' others have died and long since gone to their 
rewards in the celestial world, and other, yet remain to "hold 
i-he fort" and to welcome into her watch-care those who feel 
inclined and have heretofore neglected to enlist themselves 
in the cause of the Redeemer. May she continue to be a 
nursing mother and carry out still more fully the object of 
her earl} 7 organization ! 

Friendship we believe was the foster mother of Elder 
Gabriel Phillips who was licensed' by her and sent out to 
prech the Gospel and who proved to be a bright and shining 
light amongst the churches. 

Elder Abram Crow, a native of Rutherford county, N". 



566 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHUKCHE&- 

C, was for several years a member and fellow-laborer with 
Elder Phillips as pastor of this church. In later years Elder 
James Hewitt was licensed and sent out as a minister by the 
Friendship church, and Elders J. S. Ezell, T. Dixon, J. Gf, 
Carter and L. Lankford subsequently became pastors of this 
church. This old church reported her centennial year at the 
session of the Association in 1865 (see minutes). Her loca- 
tion is in Spartanburg county , S. C, about 25 miles from 
Spartanburg village. 

Her present corps of deacons are Wm. Bennett, J. W. 
Bennett, A. Akin, J. J. Williams and E. M. Calvert. The 
clerk of the church is J. M. Smith, Rockford, S. C. 



Gilead Church is situated in Union county, S. C, about 
one miles from Jonesville on the S. & U. Railroad, was first 
a member of the Bethel Association as far back as 1823 ;, 
was admitted as a member of the Broad Biver Association 
at her session at Macedonia church in 1846, then represented 
by E. Palmer and D. Mitchell. The precise date of her con- 
stitution we have not from our researches been able to ascer- 
tain. We find that while she was a member of the Bethel 
Association the celebrated Elder Elias Mitchell and Hezekiah 
McDougal were a part of her membership, and labored with 
her in word and doctrine. When she joined the Broad 
River she had 71 Members in fellowship, and has now (1882) 
94 member. Elder J. E. Burgess is her pastor to whom she 
pays annually $50.00. No report of a Sunday school or 
contributions to missions, or other benevolent objects are 
found entered to her credit in the Minutes of the Association. 
The following ministers have been her pastors since she be- 
came a member of the Broad River Association : T. K. 
Pursley, Dr. F. VV. Littlejohn, J. G, Kiudriek, I). Scruggs, 
B. Bonner, M. C. Bar-net t; W. Lee, J. E. King, J. Tollison, 
Wi M; Foster and J, E. Burgess. 

Tile Gilead church has good surroundings, amidst 
wealth and refinement, and has a good reputatiou for hospi- 
tality and kindness, especially toward all those professing to 
belong to the household of faith. 

Her present corps of deacons are Thos. T. Foster and 
Thos. J. Fowler. J. L. Ward,. church clerk, Jonesville, S. C. 



Godcher Creek Church is situated in Spartanburg 
county, S. C, about eight miles southwesterly from Gafihey 
City on the air-line railroad and about sixteen miles nearly 
east of Spartanburg village. This ancient church was form- 
erlv a member of the Bethel Association and was dismissed 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 'CHURCHES. 567 

fo become a constituent member of the Broad Biver Asso- 
ciation when formed in the year 1800. The historians of 
the Association have heretofore failed to give us the date of 
the constitution of this church, but according to information 
kept and transmitted from reliable sources it was proably 
organized in the year 1770, and is the fourth in point of age 
in the original Broad River body. Friendship, Green's 
Oeek, (now of Green River Association) and Boiling Spring 
(now extinct) being the oldest in the order of their names. 

The Goucher Creek church does not appear to have 
had any regular pastor until 1784 when Elder Joshua Rich- 
ards was engaged and who continued until 1811, after which 
the church was destitute of a regular supply until 1820, 
when Hugh Moore, being an ordained minister and member 
•of Goucher Creek became her pastor and in an irregular 
manner continued so for about two years, when about this 
time he became involved in legal difficulties and was deposed 
from the ministry. 

In 1829 Elder H. McDougal became pastor and in '31 
Elder Joshua Richards was again. chosen till '34, Elder J. 
Rainwaters then served until '38, Elder D. Scruggs from then 
to '42, Elder F. W. Littlejohn till '47, Elder T. Dixon in '48, 
Elder F. W. Littlejohn again served until '55, Elder B. Bon- 
ner was then chosen till £ 63, when Elder T. W. Littlejohn 
-again served in '64, Eider B. Bonner again served till '71, 
Elder J. G. Carter then served until '73 when Elder B. 
Bonner served again till '79, Elder T. J. Taylor was then 
called to the pastorate and is serving in '82. 

The church has a membership of 198 persons, is wealthy 
and refined, kind and courteous towards strangers, but is not 
credited in the Minutes of the Association with a report of a 
good Sunday school, or of contributions to missions or other 
benevolent objects. Surely her Lord's money is not laid away 
in a napkin, if so, it is hoped it will be immediately put into 
the hands of the exchangers, so that by the time of his coming 
He may receive his own with usury. 

The following are the persent corps of deacons, W. P. 
Brown, B. F. Bonner, M. W. Goforth, W. Sam. Lipscomb 
and M. A. Littlejohn. B. F. Bonner, church clerk, Thickety 
Depot, S. C. 



Ckassy Pond Church is situated in Spartanburg county, 
S. C, on the Bonner Road about 4 miles westerly from El- 
lis' Ferry on Main Broad River, and about six miles nearly 
north from Gaffney City on the Air Line railroad. A pres- 
bytery was convened at this place on February 9th, 1879, 
and the Grassy Pond Church was constituted according to 



•568 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

the form and usages of the Baptist Denomination, and at 
the session of the Broad River Asssociation held the same 
year at State Line church, she was admitted to membership 
in said body. Elder W. L. Brown was called to the pastor- 
ate and J. "R. Ellis, A. C. Robbs, Thomas McCraw, and J. 
Jones were chosen deacons. W. C. S. Wood was chose i* 
church clerk. 

This church when constituted numbered only 20 persons^ 
and now has an increased membership of 48 persons, and had 
the entertainment of the session of 1882, which they did 
gracefully and bountifully to the complete satisfaction of all 
who attended. Elder W. M. Foster was called to the pas- 
torate in 1880 and served through the years of '81 and '82,, 
and is an efficient and worthy pastor. We are glad to note 
the fact that this new church evinces a disposition to go for- 
ward in the discharge of her duties in reference to all church 
work, while she appears courteous and kindly affectionate 
towards strangers who. visit their meetings. 

May she prove successful in contending for "the form of 
sound words," and "the faith once delivered to the saints," 
which is doubtless, to some extent, being opposed in her im- 
mediate vicinity. "There is a way which seemeth right unto 
a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Pro. 14: 12. 



Macddonia Church is situated in Spartanburg county, 
S. C, about fourteen miles from Spartanburg city and about 
live miles from Cowpens on the Air-line railroad. This church 
was after being constituted in 1820 admitted as a member of 
the Broad River Association at her session at Mountain 
Creek of the same year, Jonathan Guthrie (then a layman) 
and Samuel Guthrie being her representative. She had then a 
membership ot seventy-two persons. The aforesaid Jonathan 
Guthrie was soon after licensed to preach the gospel by Mace- 
donia, and became her pastor in 1822 and continued in that 
connection until the time of his defection in 1830. The church 
very properly labored with him and through associational ad- 
vice and co-operation finally deposed him from the discharge 
of ministerial work as a Baptist minister. 

After her troubles with her truant and hetrodox pastor 
the church had the good fortune to engage the' services of that 
worthy man of God Elder Phillip Ramsour who served them 
as pastor from 1831 to '37, during which time much was ac- 
complished in restoring harmony to the disaffected. Elder B. 
Hicks was afterwards engaged in 1839 and continued in the 
pastorate until '42, Elder S. Morgan succeeded him till '44, 
Dr. F. W. Littlejohnthen served in '44, Elder D. Scruggs then 
served in 45, Elder C. E. W. Lindsey in '46 to 49, Elder J. S. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 569 

Ezell tiU'52, Dr. F. W. Littlejohn again till '53, Elder J. S. 
Ezell again until '55, Eder J. Lee until '62, Elder J. S. Ezell 
again to '63. Eider A. Padgett till '65, Elder W. B. Padgett 
until '66, Elder A. Padgett again till '67, Elder VV. Hill until 
; 68, Elder J. F. Gibbons till 72, Elder J. G. Carter till 7,\ 
Elder B. Bonner till 75, Elder J. S. Ezell again till 76, 
Elder A. D. Davidson to 77, Elder W. G. Moorheadtill 79, 
Elder A. D. Davidson till '80,Elder J.E. Burgess till '82. When 
this long pastoral list is closely scanned it will be seen that 
some of the ablest and best of the Broad River ministers 
have been called to do pastoral work for this church through 
a series of three score years with what pro tit God alone, with 
those better acquainted than we are, can tell. He has said, 
however, that His word shall not return to Him void as to 
the accomplishment of the object He has in sending it broad- 
cast through the length and breadth of His moral vineyard. 
We have no doubt therefore that everything said and done 
will be fully utilized if not already then in the far distant 
future. 

The Macedonia church notwithstanding her internal 
troubles with one she fondly hoped would prove a shining 
light to the christian cause and an honor to her that gave 
him the necessary credentials to make him useful has yet 
other things to glory in. She has had many precious and 
reviving seasons from the presence of the Lord and is blessed 
with that peace and harmony so desirable to the hearts of 
christians, of that she doubtless will glory. 

The membership of Macedonia is 128 persons. Her 
present corps of deacons are A. Harris, L. B. Davis, Wm. 
D. Byars and P. H. Byars. P. H. Byars is reported church 
clerk, Allgood, S. C. 



Mount Ararat Church is situated in Union county, S. 
C, about six miles south easterly from Gaffney City on the 
Air Line railroad, and three miles west of Main Broad River, 
in the vicinity of Draytonsville. It was constituted by a 
Presbj^tery some time in the year 1826, and admitted to 
membership in the Broad River Association the same year 
at its session at Macedonia church, having a membership at 
that time of 31 persons. Isaac Peeler, Joseph Guyton, and 
James Dunn were among the first deacons of the Ararat 
church, and W. W. Guyton was the church clerk. 

Elder W. Walker was the first pastor, who continued 

until 1831. Elder J. G. Landrum succeeded him the next 

year, Elder B. Hicks the next three years (till 1834), Elder 

George Wilkie next served until '38, Elder E. M. Chaffin 

72 



570 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

the next year, Elder T. K. Pursley then served until '44, 
Eider S. Morgan till '46, Elder T. Dixon then served until 
'47. (hi 1847- L '48-'49 the church had no pastor.) In 1850-'51- 
'52-'53 Elder J. S. Ezell was pastor, in '54 Elder J. Suttle 
served, '55 Elder F. VV. Littlejohn, in '56-'57-'58 Elder M. 
Mullinax, in '59 Elder J. J. Jones, in '60 J. Lee, (in '61 -'62 
no pastor), in '63 Elder J. S. Ezell a^ain was pastor, in '65- 
'66-'67-'68 Elder J. Gibbs. in '69-70-71 J. G. Carter, in '72 
Elder Win. Curtis, in '73-74 Elder John Tollison, in '75 
Elder J. G. Carter was again pastor, in '76-'77-'78-'79-'80 
Elder T. J. Taylor was called to the pastorate, and in '81-'82 
Elder W. L. Brown was the pastor. 

The membership of this church has increased to 137. 
The present corps of deacons are Jacob Gnyton, Chester 
Stacy, R. Elmore, G. W. McCowan, T. J. Patrick and W. 
D. Alexander. J. M. Peeler, church clerk, Pine Grove, S. C. 



Mount Joy Church is situated in Union County, S. C, 
about five miles from Skull Shoals on Pacolet and about ten 
miles from Union Court House. 

This church was mainly organized through the ministe- 
rial labors of Elder T. J. Taylor and constituted November 
30th, 1876, and at the session of the Broad River Association 
the same year at Friendship church it was admitted as a 
member of said bodv, having at that time a membership of 
23 persons. In 1878 Elder T. J, Taylor was called to the 
pastorate and has continued in the place ever since. 

The following is the present corps of deacons: Robert 
Little, Daniel Garner and A. A. Gault. J. II. McKissick 
is church clerk, Kelton, S. C. 

The church now numbers 61 members, and in the ab- 
sence of any report of Sunday school or contributions for 
missions or other benevolent objects,we feel sure with such a 
pastor the church will prove a working body in the cause of 
the Master. 



New Pleasant Church is situated in Spartanburg coun- 
ty, S. C, near Cowpens battle-ground. This church was 
constituted on October 26th, 1878, by a Presbytery consist- 
ing of Elders W. D. Lancaster, J. S. Ezell and B. Bonner, 
and had a membership of 42 persons in fellowship with 
Elder W. D. Lancaster as pastor, and in 1879, at the session 
of the Broad River Association, it was admitted as a member 
of said body. In 1881-'82 Elder A. C. Irvin was in the pas- 
torate, and the membership was increased to 46, and the 
prospects very good for a still larger and growing interest. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 571 

There is ample material in the surroundings of this church 
to build up a large and self-sustaining body. The present 
corps of deacons are J. II. Ezell and J. M. Price. J. H. 
Ezell is church clerk, Ezell, S. C. 



Pacolet Church is situated in Union county, S. C, at 
or near the Skull Shoals on Pacolet River, from which stream 
the church derives its name. In our researches we find this 
church an ancient organization, constituted previous to 1804, 
and a member first of the Bethel Association with which it 
remained until the year 1818, when it was addmitted into 
the Broad River Association. The precise date of its con- 
stitution we are unable to ascertain. Elder Jacob Crocker 
appears from the Minutes to have been its first pastor after 
joining the Broad River Association, and A. Summerford, I. 
McKissick, Nathan Pettit and Thompson Clayton were 
probably the first deacons. Elder Jacob Crocker (assisted 
by Elder Isaac McKissick part of the time) supplied the 
church until 1825. Elder Isaac McKissick was then pastor 
for 1826, when Pacolet church and Head of Enoree were 
dismissed that year to join other bodies. She then does not 
appear in the list of Broad River churches until the session 
of 1844 at Providence church, when she was again admitted 
to membership in the Broad River body, dismissed then 
from the Bethel Association with Elder J. G. Kindrkk, her 
worthy paster who still continued to serve as her pastor (as- 
sisted by Elder M. Mullinax several years) until 1853 when 
Elder M. Mullinax served for '54, after which Elder J. G. 
Kindrick resumed his pastoral labors until '63, Elder M. 
Mullinax again serving in '64, Elder J. G. Kindrick then 
resumed pastoral work again and served until '72 and in this 
year he finished his labors here upon earth which had been 
very abundant, and went to his reward above. Elder W. G. 
Moorehead was the successor of Elder J. G. Kindrick for 
1872, Elder W. L. Brown in '73-'74-'75-'76 was pastor, Elder 
T. J. Taylor in '77-'78-'79-'80, Elder A. McA. Pitman in 'SI- 
'S 2. 

Pacolet church has a membership of 149 persons and 
reports minister's salary $225.00. She laSks system in re- 
porting Sunday schools and contributions for missions and 
other benevolent objects, w T hich should be done in the Min- 
utes of the Association. 

The following is the present corps of deacons, A. F. 
Kendrick, J. J. Kendrick, E. Wood and J. H. Spears. I. J. 
Spears, church clerk, Skull Shoals, S. C. 

■ t 



572 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

Pacolet Church (Ko. 2) is situated in Spartanburg 
county, S. C, on the S. & U. railroad in the little town of 
that name about 11 miles easterly from Spartanburg village, 
and near the Skull Shoals on Pacolet river. 

This church is said to have been constituted March 25th, 
1871, with 10 members, but does not appear from the Minu- 
tes oi the Association to have been separately represented 
until the session of the Broad River Association in 1880, it 
then had 62 member reported but no pastor till '82, when 
the membership of that year was reported at eighty-seven, 
and Elder L. Vaughn in the pastorate at a salary of $75.00. 
.The following are the deacons of this church : Elijah Bar- 
neU", Elijah P. Brown, Wm. Coleman, T. C. Brown, W. 1). 
Wilkins. G-. W. Brown, church clerk, Pacolet Depot, S. C. 

Note: — In the absence of more full information, we state that 
the original Pacolet church, by reason of a railroad location near it, 
divided into Nos. 1 and 2, as a matter or" convenience, affording the 
opportunity to establish a church in the railroad town for those de- 
siring it, while those wishing to remain with the old or first organi- 
zation were permitted to do so. Two churches instead of one was 
the result, which we hope may tend to the furtherance of the gospel 
of Christ. 



Piedmont Church is situated on the Island Ford road 
3J miles northerly of Coulter's Ford bridge on Pacolet river, 
and about the same distance south westerly of Cowpens bat- 
tle-ground in Spartanburg county, S. C. This church was 
constituted August 24th, 18 — , by a Presbytery consisting 
of Elders W. T. Tate and A. J. Bonner, and united with the 
Broad River Association at its session the same year at Zion 
Hill church. Its present corps of deacons are J. F. Quinn, 
J. C. Bonner and A. B. Martin. Elder A. J. Bonner is the 
pastor now in office. 



Providence Church is situated in Spartanburg county, 
S. C, on the old Deer's Ferry road about 1J miles nearly 
north of Gaffhey City on the Air Line railroad, and about 
6 miles southerly from Ellis' Ferry on Main Broad River. 

This church was constituted sometime in the year 1803, 
and was admitted to membership in the Broad River Asso- 
ciation at her session the same year at New Salem church in 
Rutherford county, N. C. It does not appear that she had 
any regular pastor until 1812, when Elder Joshua Richards 
formerly a member and pastor of Goucher Creek church 
joined by letter, and served in that capacity until 1840. 
Elder Spencer Morgan was licensed to preach by this church 
in 1830, and doubtless labored with Elder Richards a por- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 573 

iron of the time. In 1S40 he was called to the pastorate 
himself, and filled the place until '44, when Elder T. K, 
Pursley served in '45, from then to '47 Elder Spencer Morgan 
again served, from then to '50 Elder D. Scruggs was pastor, 
from then to '53 Elder F. W. Littlejohn served, from then 
to '56 Elder Joseph Suttle, from then to '58 Elder T. Curtis, 
D. D., was in the pastorate. In 1858-59 Elder P. R. Elam, 
from then to '64 Elder E, A. Crawley, D. D., served this 
church, from then to '66 Elder Wade Hill, from then to '67 
Elder J. S. Ezell, from then to '68 Elder B. Bonner served, 
from then to '69 Elder L, C. Ezell, from then to '72 Elder 
J. G. Carter, from then to : 76 Elder T. H. Mullinax, from 
then to '79 Elder P. R. Elam again served, from then to '80 
Elder J. G. Carter again served, in '80-'82 Elder G. P. Ham- 
rick was pastor. 

The membership of this venerable church is now 257 per- 
sons. She pays pastor's' salary of eighty-two dollars (?) 
Makes no report of contributions to missions or other benev- 
olent objects. .We, however, know that she is engaged in 
-Sunday school work, but makes no report in the Minutes 
of the Association. The present corps of deacons are P. O. 
Lemmons. B. F. Camp, church clerk, Gafme}^ City, S. C. 

The Providence church has very good surroundings, 
many of the members are intelligent well-to-do agriculturists. 
They are a church going and church loving people, always 
hospitable to strangers, while humbugs or pretenders, are 
generally avoided by them without regard to outside appear- 
ances. Many precious souls have passed through this 
church to their heavenly reward, while their zeal in winning 
souls to the cause of the Master seems in no way yet abated. 

The following representative names once belononno- to 
this church will long be remembered by many of the present 
membership; The Camp's, Gaffney's, Robertson's, Gordon's, 
Daffern's, Amos', Morgan's, Cooper's, Byars', Turner's, 
Sarratt's, etc., most of whom have crossed over the river 
into the promised land, and are now basking under the shade 
of the paradisaical trees in the haven of rest. 



Sandy Springs Church is situated in the northeast corner 
of Polk county, N. C, about one-half mile south of Mills 
Gap road and on the head waters of Buck Creek near 
Shield's X Roads and was constituted by a presbytery in 
February 1858, and the same year joined the Green River 
Association, and remained a member of that body until the 
session of the Broad River Association held at Arrowood 
church in 1872 when she became a member of said body, 



574 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHTIBCHES". 

having a membership of 70 persons and Elder A. Padgett as 
her pastor. In 1874 Elder W. D. Lancaster was chosen the 
pastor, and in '75 Elder A. D. Davidson was pastor for that 
year. In 1876 Elder W. D. Lancaster was again called to* 
the pastorate and is now (1882) in the pastoral office. The- 
church has now a membership of 114 persons who appear to- 
be a devoted and faithful band of worshippers. 

Her present corps of deacons are S. D. Splawn, J. T% 
Splawn, J. K. Prince and B. B. Lancaster. J. E. Prince 
church clerk, Sandy Springs, N. C. 

We are unable to learn from the Minutes of the Associ- 
ation whether this church is engaged in Sunday school work 
or not, as no report is made from her of suchwork,or of con- 
tributions to missions or other benevolent objects. It is* 
hoped these important matters are being attended to in the 
church's own peculiar way, and not by any means entirely 
neglected. 



State Line Church is situated in Spartanburg county, 
S. C, a short distance south of the North Carolina State 
line which gives rise to its name. It is northwesterly of 
Gaffney City about six miles and southwesterly from Set- 
tlemeyer's Ferry on Main Broad River about three miles. 

The original State Line church was constituted in 1796, 
and was one of the constituent members of the Broad 
River Association when organized in 1800 this old church first 
of the Bethel Association and the nursing mother of Drury 
Dobbins and Berryman Hicks had been disbanded sometime 
previous to 1824, and in that year a reconstruction or re- 
modeling of the church took place a short distance from 
where the original church was located, and at the session of 
the Broad River Association in that year at Head of First 
Bro'-id River church the reconstructed body was admitted to 
membership in said Association having a membership of 29 
persons with Elder Zechariah Blackwell as their pastor who 
continued until 1831 to serve in that capacity. Elder Joshua 
Richards succeeded him and was the pastor until '34, when 
Elder Drury Scruggs, a nephew of Elder Drury Dobbins (who 
was a member of this church and had been licensed and or- 
dained to the work of the ministry by her) was called to 
serve as pastor. He continued until 1854, from then till '58 
Elder W. Curtis, L. L. D. served, from then to '63 Elder D. 
Scruggs again served, (his pastorate ending with his troubles 
in said church on a charge of immoral conduct, by reason of 
which his deposition from the ministry resulted.) Elder W. 
Curtis served the church in 1864, Elder J. M. Williams 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 575 

served from '65 to '$8, Elder A. McMahan served in '08 to 
"73, Elder A. A. MoSwain from 73 to 74, Elder A. D. Da- 
vidson from 74 to 76, from 76 to 77 Polder J. G. Carter 
served, in 77 to 78 Elder J. E. Burgess, in 78 to 79 Elder 
J. II. Yarboro, in 79 to '82 Elder A. McMahan was pastor. 

This church has now a membership of 208 persons, and 
pays to her pastor a salary of §50.00. Her present corps of 
deacons are R, McCraw, J as. Philips, T. Vassy, K. C. Wat- 
kins, J. T. Vassy, M. B. Scruggs. J. T. Wood, clerk, State 
Line, S. C. 

No report is published in Minutes of Sunday school 
work, or contributions for missions or other benevolent ob- 
jects. Still we doubt not that she is laboring in some way to 
build up the waste places of Zion. 



Unity Church is situated in Union county, S. C. : was 
a member of the Bethel Association as far back as 1823, and 
joined the Broad River Association in 1842, having a mem- 
bership at that time of 45 persons with Elder R. P. Logan 
pastor. Through aid ofthe Association Unity has been built up 
so that she numbers 103 members, and is so far self-sustain- 
ing now as to be able to pay her pastor's salary of $40.00. 
This feeble church has had ministerial aid from quite a num- 
ber of preachers, Elder R. P. Logan labored with them till 
1845, from '47 to '49 Elder Madison Mullinax was pastor, 
in '49-'50-'51 Elder J. Newland served, in '52-'53 Eider J. S. 
Ezell, '^5-'56 Elder M. Mullinax as:ain served, in '57- , 58 
Elder J. L. Harris, in '68 Elder J. F. Hullender, in 71 
Elder W. G. Morehead served, in 73-74-75 Elder John 
Tollison, 76 Elder T. J. Taylor, in 77 Elder John Tollison 
a^ain served, in 78 Elder M. Mullinax a^ain served, and in 
79-'80-'81-'82 Elder T. H. Mullinax served in the pastorate. 

We learn that through the aid given this church by the 
Broad Rner Association, in missionary operations, it is now 
able to sustain itself, and render good service to the Master, 
and we therefore suggest that a good Sunday school be or- 
ganized, and that all ofthe benevolent objects ofthe Associ. 
ation be aided by the church according to her ability, then 
will her prosperity be assured. The present corps of dea- 
cons are W. i^eaL J. L. Huffman, church clerk, Hickory 
Grove, S. 0. 



Ziox Hill Church is situated in Spartanburg county, 
S. G, about 3 miles south westerly from the town of Clifton 
on Pacolet river, and on the south side ofthe Air Line rail- 
road, about 3 miles east of Spartanburg village. 



676 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES'. 

This church was constituted by a Presbytery consisting 
of Elders J. G. Landrum and Warren Drummond, with 
several deacons from other churches, on March 14th, 1840,, 
and was admitted to membership in the Broad River Asso- 
ciation at its session the same year at Concord church in. 
Rutherford county, N. C, having 87 members in fellowship,, 
and Elder W. Drummond in the pastorate. Since then 
Elder T. K. Pursley served as pastor from 1844 to '47. 
Elders Thomas and Wm. Curtis preached for this church in 
1848, 1851-'52-'53, in "54 Elder A. Padgett served, in '55-'56., 
Elder J. Lee, in '57 to 60 Elder R. Woodruff, in '60 Elder 
F. W. Littlejohn, in '61 Elder David Hilliard, in '62 y 
Elder L. Vaugnn, in '63 Elder W. Curtis, from '65 to 
'69 Elder L. Vaughn, from '69 to 72 Elder SL V, B. Lank- 
ford, from '72 to 77 Elder J. M. Williams, from '78 to '81 
Elder J. E. Burgess, in '81-'82 Elder J. G. Carter. 

The Zion Hill church has now a membership of 71 per- 
sons, and is becoming an energetic and working body. She 
reports pastors salary at $50.00; no report, however, is made 
in the Minutes of the Association of Sunday school w T ork r 
or contributions to missions or other benevolent objects. The 
church doubtless has her own peculiar methods of working 
fur the Master. 

Her present corps of deacons are John Coen, James* 
Wood, H. J. Lolesby, Marshal Kirby, and G. W. Ally. 
James Wood, church clerk, Spartanburg, S. C. 

Elder E. McAbee was licensed and ordained to the 
ministry by this church in June, 184L 



CHAPTER VIII 



SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES OF THE KING'S MOUNTAIN BAPTIST 
ASSOCIATION. 

Antioch Church is situated in York county, S. C, about 
four miles nearly due west Irom the King's Mountain battle 
grounds and two miles southeasterly from Whitaker's sta- 
tion on the air-line railroad. 

This church was constituted in the year 1815. In 1814 
it became an arm of Buffalo church, and through the .minis- 
terial labors of Eider William Martin, (Cedar Billie,) and 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 577 

others the membership became sufficiently strong for a con- 
stitution. A presbytery was convened of Elders G. Win. 
Martin, Drury Dobbins and other ministers together with 
the deacons of the adjacent or nearest churches, and the sev- 
eral persons baptized and dismissed from other churches for 
this object, were declared by the presbytery convened, a reg 
ular church of the Baptist faith an order to be known by the 
name and style of Antioch Baptist Church. 

Elder W.. Martin was the first pastor, and Abraham 
Hardin, Edward Bird and Sherrod James were selected the 
first deacons. Edward Bird was appointed church clerk. 

Antioch joined the Broad River Association at her ses- 
sion in 1815, and remained a constituent member of that 
body until 1873. She was then dismissed, and joined the 
King's Mountain at her session the same year. This church 
has been a nursing mother to many of the Baptist family, 
-and at times has had enrolled on the pa^es of her church 
book a very large membership, many of whom adorned the 
christian profession with orderly and profitable lives. Many 
of her members have emigrated to other States, while many 
others have paid the debt of nature and gone to their final 
rewards, while many others yet remain within her folds to 
call her blessed for the fostering care she has been enabled 
to extend to them from time to time in their travail and sore 
trials to escape the wiles of the great adversary. 

Elder George Wilkie was ordained in 1819 and was 
chosen pastor of the church in 1820, and remained in that 
relation eighteen years, till 1837, when he emigrated to the 
State of Georgia. Elder T. K. Purslev was pastor in 1838 
to '40, Elder R. P. Logan in '41, T. K Purslev again in '42- 
'43, Elder W. Hill in '44 to '48, Elder L. McCurry in '49-'50, 
Elder W. Hill again in '51. The King's Mountain Associa- 
tion was formed this year but Antioch still remained with 
the Broad River until 1873. Elder P. R. Elam became her 
pastor in '74-75, Elder J. G. Carter in '76-77, Elder T. 
Dixon in 78-79, Elder J.A. White in '80 to '82. 

Antioch church has at present 193 members and a Sun- 
day School of fifty scholars, superintended by E. Hardin in 
good working order. 

The contributions to pastor and other objects for 1882 
is reported $258.55. Her present corps of deacons are H. 
Borders, D. R. Bell, E. Hardin, E. H. Dover, J. R. Dixon 
and D. R. Bird. J. R. Dixon, church clerk, Whitaker, S. C. 

Antioch can claim the honor under God of being the 
foster mother of Elders T. Dixon and R. P. Logan, two min- 
isters of some prominence in the Broad River and King's 
Mountain Associations. 
73 



578 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

Beaverdam Church is situated in Cleveland county, W. 
C, a short distance south of the main public road leading 
from the town of Shelby to Rutherfordton, near Beaverdam 
creek, from which stream it derives its name. In the year 
1850, religious meetings were begun to be held by various 
ministers, and the prospect for founding a church being 
good, a presbytery having this object in view was convened 
December 23d, 1850, and proceeded to organize 42 persons 
into a regular church to be known by the name and style of 
the Beaverdam Baptist Church; and at the session of the 
Broad River Association the same year was admitted to 
membership with that body ; and with other churches it was 
dismissed to become a constituent member of King's Moun- 
tain body formed shortly afterwards. It remained in that 
connection .until the session of 1860, and then seceeded and 
took part in the organization of the "Constitutional" King's 
Mountain Association, until in 1866, when the matters of 
difference were settled by a convention of churches. Elder 
L. H. McSwain had served as pastor in 1854, Elder R. Pos- 
ton then to '57, Elder Wm. McSwain in '58, Elder R.Poston 
in '59, Elder A. A. McSwain in '60. After the schism, 
Elder L. H. McSwain was pastor till '68, Elder L. C. Ezell 
from then to '72, Elder M. Pannel in '73, Elder T. H. Mul- 
linax in '75, Elder R, Poston in '76, Elder G. M. Webb 
till '78, and Elder J. M. Bridges till '82. 

The church now numbers 207 member, and has a Sunday 
school of 70 scholars superintended by J. L. Wray, in good 
working order. Anuuai contributions to pastors, missions, 
etc., is reported at §136.95. Her present corps of deacons 
are David Hamrick, Cornelius Green, George McSwain, J. L. 
Wrav and George McSwain, Jr. J. T. Harrill, church clerk, 
Shelby, K C. 

This church has the honor of sending Elders J. H. Yar- 
boro and M. Pannel into the Gospel tield. 



Bethel Church was formerly a member of the Broad 
River Association, but was dismissed therefrom for the pur- 
pose of becontins: a constituent member of the King's Moun- 
tain body in 1851. She was constituted June 4th, 1847, and 
is situated in Rutherford county, N"..C., on the Piney Moun- 
tain road, about 10 miles south easterly from Rutherfordton 
and twelve miles north easterly from Shelby, N. C. and about 
four miles nearly east from Forest City.- 

Brethren G. R. Hamrick and W. H. Hardin were cho- 
sen the first deacons, and W. H. Hardin acted as church clerk. 

The Bethel church was organized mainly through the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 57!) 

labors of Elders Dove Pannel and William Harrill. and had 

at first only 25 members. She, however, is stronger in point 
of members than she ever was; numbering at this time 106 
members on her church book, and has a very good meeting 
house, and apparantly in good working condition, having -d 
Sabbath school of 122 scholars superintended by D. ^. Ham- 
rick, which of course has a progressive tendency in point of 
religious interest. After the organization of this church, 
Elder Win. Harrill was first called to the pastorate for a few 
years, when about 1855, Elder D. Pannel had the pastoral 
care for a time, succeeded by Wm. McSwain for a year. 
After which he (Pannel) again resumed the pastoral relation 
and continued until 1860, when the schism about temperance 
divided the Association. The Bethel church affiliating with 
the seceding party, they were no longer of the regular King's 
Mountain Association until the matter of difference was ad- 
judicated~and settled by a convention of churches in 1866. 
Since then Elder J. H. Yarboro was pastor in 1867, Elder 
D. Pannell in '68, Elder T. J. Campbell then became pastor 
till '73' Elder J. J. Jones till 74. Elder D. Pannell again in 
'75, Elder A. A. McSwain in '76-77, Elder T. J. Campbell 
again in 78, and Elder A. A. McSwain in 79-'80-'81. D. K 
Hamrick, church clerk, Mooresboro, N. C. 



Bethlehem Church was formerly one oftheBroad River 
churches but joined the King's Mountain Association in 1854. 
In the year 1841 several Baptists living in the vicinity of White 
Plains, being remote from any church of their faith and 
order thought it expedient to build a meeting house and ask 
the church at Antioch to extend to that place an arm to re- 
ceive members, which request was granted, and after the 
holding of services at different times by Elder R. P. Logan 
and other ministers, and the reception and baptism of several 
persons, a presbytery of Elders Drury Dobbins and R. P. 
Logan together with the deacons of the surrounding churches 
was convened at the meetinghouse mentioned(which is about 
a mile south of where the present Bethlehem church is now 
situate,) and proceeded to constitute a church of the follow- 
ing persons : Elder R. P. Logan, Belinda Logan, James 
Altom, Elizabeth Altom, Zechariah Earles, Preston 
Harmon, Elizabeth Harmon, Elijah Spurlin, Susan Spurlin, 
IN"ancy Collins, Nathen Earles, Mariah Lutz, Benjamin Wat- 
terson,, Sarah Spurlin, Elizabeth Spurlin, John McArthur, 
William Camp, Mary Patterson, David H. Harmon, Mary 
Watterson, Louisa Earles, Sarah Earles, Jemima Earles, 
Martha Jarrall, Talitha McArthur and Fanny Camp, which 
t 



5S0 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

took place agreeably to the forms and usages of the Baptists 
on the 16th of Jcily 1842. 

Brethren Zechariah Earles, James Alton and Preston 
Harmon were the first deacons, and the church records were 
kept by Elder R. P. Logan until B. Goforth joined the 
church, who was the first regularly appointed clerk. 

The Bethlehem church is situated in Cleveland county, 
1ST. C, on the Dixon's gap road leading from Shelby, X. C, 
to Yorkville, S. C, about ten miles southeast of Shelby and 
two miles northwest from where the Air-line railroad crosses 
the Dixon's Gap road, and five miles nearly west from the 
town of King's Mountain. The location is one of great beau- 
ty and the lot was presented to the church by the late Dr. 
Thomas Williams, of Shelby, upon which the brethren have 
erected a first class wooden structure of ample dimentions to 
seat a large congregation of people. The church, at pres- 
ent, numbers 210 persons and, although pretty much sur- 
rounded by other denominations, is in a progressive and 
steady movement onward in her work in the vineyard of the 
Master. She has an excellent Sunday school of seventy-five 
scholars superintended by L. M. Logan, which appears to be 
doing much good. 

Elder G. P. Ham rick is the present pastor, who renders 
faithful services. This church, like nearly all Baptist churches, 
has had quite a number of pastors. In 1842 to '45 Elder R. 
P. Loo;an had charge, Elder T. Dixon in '46-'4T, Elder W. 
B. Padgett in '48-'49, Elder B. E. Rollins in '50 and R. P. 
Logan again in '51, she then had no pastor until '54. She 
joined the King's Mountain Association and had Elder A. 
J. Cansler, who continued until '57, Elder Wade Hill in '57, 
Elder R. P. Logan was then retained until '65, in '65 Elder 
L. M. Berry was pastor, and Elder A. A. MeSwain in '66-'67, 
Elder P. R. Elam in '68 to '80, Elder G. P. Hamrick from 
'81 to present time. The church has had some very inter- 
resting revival meetings and quite a number have, we trust, 
been born of the Spirit through her instrumentality. Her 
present corps of deacons are T. W. Harmon, R. U. Patter- 
son, John Barber, Thos. Bell and Dr. J. A. Wray. The 
present church clerk is L. M. Logan, King's Mountain, K. C. 
Annual contributions to pastor, missions, etc., $140.25. 



Big Spring Church is situated in Rutherford county, 
K. C., on the waters of Duncan's creek, about 14 miles a 
little north westerly from Shelby, and about the same dis- 
tance nearly east of Rutherfordton. 

This church was constituted September 5th, 1818, and 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 581 

became a member of the Catawba River Association. The 
Green River Association was formed in 1840, and Big 
Spring was a constituent member, and remained in that con- 
nection until the session of the King's Mountain in 1853, 
when she joined that body, and has remained a member 
ever since. When she joined King's Mountain she had a 
membership of 110 persons, and has at this time only 118, this, 
however, may be accounted for on the ground that she has 
at various times lettered a part of her membership to aid in 
-construction of other churches. 

Her present corps of deacons are J. C. Lattimore, A, 
J. Hughes, W. P. Withrow and John C. Gettys. J. C. 
Gettys, church clerk, Duncan's Creek, N. C. She has a 
Sunday school of 70 scholars superintended by O. D. Price. 
Her last years contributions to pastor, missions, etc., is 
reported at $147.75. 

This church since joining the King's Mountain has had 
the following pastors : Elder G. W. Rollins till 1877, from 
then to '82 Elder J. M. Bridges. Big Spring has ever had 
the reputation of being watchful and vigilant in regard to 
the true faith of the Gospel. She takes a pride in being con- 
sidered orthodox in all things. She adheres with great tenac- 
ity to the old Biblical land marks, and consequently is not 
easily led away by spurious isms that lack the endorsement 
of u thus saith the Lord." 



Boiling Spring Church is one of the original thirteen 
churches of which the King's Mountain Association was 
formed, and is situated in Cleveland county, N. C, a short 
distance south westerly from the point where the public 
road leading from Rutherfordton to Yorkville, S. C, crosses 
the old High Shoals road, near a famous boiling spring of 
good free stone water, which is well known to many of the 
traveling public, from which bold boiling spring, the church 
derives its name. It is about 10 miles in a south westerly 
dircetion from the town of Shelby. An arm of Sandy Run 
church in pursuance of a request was extended to receive 
and baptize members in the year 1847, and several ministers 
(amongst whom Elder W. B. Padgett was conspiuous for 
faithful labors) preached frequently to large and greatly in- 
terested congregations of people, who resolved to call for a 
presbytery with a view to the constitution of a church. On 
the 1st day of December, 1847, the desired presbytery was 
convened, and proceeded to organize 69 persons into a reg- 
ular Baptist church by the name and style of Boiling Springs 
Baptist church. D. D. Durham, Thos. Pruitt and R.L. D. 



582 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

Hicks were appointed delegates to attend the meeting of the 
Broad River Association to ask admission into that body y 
and said church was admitted to membership accordingly it> 
the session of 1848, with a report of 48 members received 
and baptized since her constitution, making a total member- 
ship of 117 persons. The Boiling Springs church was sub- 
sequently dismissed from the Broad River body to become a 
constituent member of the King's Mountain Association at 
its organization, in 1851, and is now a worthy member of 
the same at the present time. 

Elder W. B. Padgett was called to be the first pastor of 
this church and continued until 1851, when Elder J. Suttle 
was chosen to serve until '54, Elder G. W. Rollins till '55, 
Elder D. Pannel till '56, Elder B. Bonner till ,58, Elder J r 
Suttle till '59, Elder J. M. Williams till '60. The church 
this year by reason of disagreement upon a temperance res- 
olution seceded from the regular King's Mountain Asssoci- 
ation, and joined with other churches in the organization of 
the "Constitutional" King's Mountain body, but returned 
again to the regular body in 1867, after the matters of griev- 
ance were settled by a convention of the churches of both bod- 
ies the previous year. Elder J. S. Ezell afterward was chosen 
pastor, who contiuued until 1869, Elder L. C. Ezell succeed- 
ed him the next year, Elder A. A. McSwain was then called 
who served until '76, Elder W. Hill served the next year, 
and Elder A. A. McSwain again served till '79, when Elder 
J. S. Ezell again served till "81, Elder,). M. Bridges was then 
engaged and is now the pastor. 

The Boiling Springs church has a membership of 195 
persons, and a Sunday school of 95 scholars, superintended 
by brother D. S. Lovelace, and in good working order. The 
church frequently enjoys "refreshing seasons from the pres- 
ence of the Lord,*' and is composed bf very good material. 
Her present corps of deacons are Asa Ham rick, John Pruitt, 
W. H. Green and Reuben Green. I). S. Lovelace, church 
clerk, Boiling Spring, 1ST. C. Annual contributions to pas- 
tor, missions, etc., $132.45. 



Buffalo Church is one of the original sixteen of which 
the Broad River Association was constituted, and is situated 
on the main public road leading from Rutherfordton, IS". ~C. 
to Yorkville, S. C, about four miles North of Buffalo Creek, 
from which stream it derives its name, and about one-half 
mile South of the North Carolina State line. We are informed 
by brother R. E. Porter, the acting clerk of the church, that 
he had it from the mouth of Dr. William Curtis, now de- 
ceased, that while engaged in his researches preparatory to 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 583 

the publishing of an Associational history, (which was com- 
pleted by Elder M. C. Barnott,) he found an old copy of the 
"Minutes (of the Bethel Association we suppose) in which it 
was stated that Buffalo church was first organized in 1772, 
while the historian Benedict gives the date of the constitution 
in 1777. Bro. Porter suggests that the first organization 
4nay have been defective, owing to some informality, and was 
probably in 1777, remedied and made more valied by a 
properly organized presbytery, as he is informed two travel- 
ing ministers from the Sandy Creek Association in North 
Carolina that year visited the section of country and organ- 
ized the church in regular order, ordaining at the same time 
two ministers and three deacons. Elder Joseph Camp was 
probably one of the ministers, and William Davidson, Jacob 
Green and James Bridges were doubtless the deacons. But 
there being no records preserved, the names cannot now be 
given certainly. Elder Joseph Camp resided in the vicinity 
of this church in 1781 (see sketch) and was probably the 
pastor for several years. But we do not find from anything 
minueted that there was ever chosen any one to the regular 
pastorate until in 1812, Eder B. Hicks was installed as 
such who continued until 1834. In 1824 Hugh Quin and in 
1826 P. Ramsour both members of Buffalo were licensed to 
preach, who doubtless assisted the regular pastor in the exhi- 
bition of the word. From 1834 to 1847 Elder. D. Dobbins 
was pastor. After the demise of Elder D. Dubbins Elder R. 
P.Logan was pastor until 1851, Elder T. Dixon in '60, Elder 
O. W. Rollins in '61, Elder D. Hilliard till '62. Elder T. 
Dixon was then pastor till 1880, since then Elder G. M. Webb 
lias been laboring as pastor of the church. 

The Buffalo church has been a fruitful mother, many 
cli urches having sprangfrom her arms and constituents, chief 
among which we mention Antioch, Providence, Camp's 
Creek, Zoar, Mount Sinai, Mount Paron, arid more recently 
Kew Hope. 

There have been somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 
persons enrolled as members upon her church books so far 
as preserved, while many others, prior to 1803, for which no 
records now appear, are known to have passed through the 
Buffalo church a period of 26 years after its organization. 

This venerable church continued its connection with the 
Broad River Association from its organization until the for- 
mation of the King's Mountain body of which it became a 
constituent member in 1851. In 1883 for reasons satisfac- 
tory the church took a letter of dismission and 
again attached itself to the Broad River Association, with 
which it remained until the project of attempting the organ- 



584 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

ization of County Associations was about to be made in 1877, 
when it again returned to the King's Mountain, of which 
body it is now a worthy member, having a membership at 
this time of 228. Having also a good and efficient corps of 
deacons consisting of F. S. Ram sour, Wm. D. Gaston, John 
Turner, William Hamrick, A. W. Holt. R. E. Porter,, 
church clerk, Black's Station, S. C. 

Bro. Porter writes : u One peculiar characteristic in the 
history of this church is showm in her tenacity to any received 
doctrine or practice. And through her history she has not 
been given to change^ nor has she been ' blown about by 
every wind of doctrince.' " 

The Buffalo church has existed over 100 years and during 
that long period of time she has never changed her days of 
public worship from the fourth Sunday and Saturday pre- 
vious in each month of the year. Annual contributions to 
pastor, missions, etc., $174.13. 



Capernaum Church is situated in the northeastern part of 
Cleveland county, N. C, about twelve miles norteasterly 
from Shelby, a short distance west of the main post road 
leading from Lincolnton to Spartanburg, S. C, and three 
miles southwesterly from Cherry ville on the Carolina Central 
rail road. 

This church was constituted by a presbytery on the 9th 
day of July 1842 Elders D. Dobbins and R. P. Logan and 
deacons from surrounding churches composed the presby- 
tery for this purpose; and Wm. Roberts, Lewis Gardner and 
"VVm. Kendrick were the first deacons, and Lewis Gardner 
was appointed Clerk. Elder D. Dobbins was chosen pastor 
and continued until 1845. Elder W. Hill was then chosen 
and he continued in the pastorate until 1851. In that year 
the King's Mountain Association was organized, and Caper- 
naum although within its boundary, preferred to remain a 
member of the northern body; and did remain so, until the 
session of 1871; when she was dismissed and joined King's 
Mountain at her session of the same year. Elder W. Hill 
was pastor in '72, Elder P. R. Elam in '73, W. Hill again in 
J 74 and '75, Elder G. M. Webb from 75 till '82. 

The church at the time of constitution had a member- 
ship of thirty-five persons. She has at the present time 
(1882) one hundred and seventy members, and a flourishing 
Sunday school of fifty-six scholars superinteded by J. C. 
Parker. 

Her annual contributions to pastor, missions etc. are 
$122.65. Her present corps of deacons are Thos. Kindrick, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 585 

Martin Moss, W. G. Lindsey andF. M. Miller. A. S. Ivin- 
drick, church clerk, Waco, N". C, Thos. Kindrick, church 

treasurer. 



Concord Church is situated in Rutherford county, X. C, 
about eight miles southeasterly from Rutherfordton, on the 
east side of second Broad River, and about a mile north 
from the main road leading from Rutherfordton via. Webb's 
Ford to Shelby. 

This church was constituted in 1804, after the forma- 
tion of the Broad River Association in 1800, and admitted 
into that body the same year, the session being held at Sandy 
Run church. It remained in that connection until the form- 
ation of the Green River body in 1840 when it joined that 
Association and contined a member thereof till after the or- 
ganization of the King's Mountain Association in 1851 and at 
the session of '56 joined that body and still remains a mem- 
ber. She had a membership then of 54 persons, she now 
has 170, and a Sunday school of 100 scholars, superintended 
by C. T. Hollifield. Her last year's contributions to pastor, 
missions, etc., is $65.80. 

Her pastor in 1856 to '59 was Elder G. W. Rollins, in 
'60 Elder G. M. Webb, in '61 to '65 Elder G. W. Rollins, in 
'66 to '69 G. M. Webb, in '70 to '82 G. W. Rollins. Her 
present corps of deacons are brethren G. T. Bostic, W. H. 
Martin, H. Harrill, B. Metcalf, A. P. Hollifield, John Davis, 
James Lattimore and A. L. Smart. A. L. Smart, church 
clerk, Forest City, X. C. 

Concord has the honor to send several ministers into 
the gospel field amongst whom are Elders Alfred Webb, Wm. 
Harrill, G. M. Webb, G. P. Bostic and J. A. Green. 

The church is located in a very hospitable neighbor- 
hood, who seem to enjoy the God given privilege of attend- 
ing public worship at the sanctuary, as well probably as any 
others. 



Dallas Church is situated on a beautiful lot in the town 
of Dallas in Gaston county, N. C. The church edifice is one 
of rare beauty of sufficient size to seat a large congregation. 
After the rendition of ministerial labors of an acceptable and 
profitable character by Elders J. H. Booth, A. L. Stough 
and others in the year 1880, a few members of Baptist 
churches residing in and near the town of Dallas covenant 
together and resolved to organize a church; whereupon a 
presbytery was convened for that purpose on the 25th day of 
September 1879 consisting of ministers and deacons, and in 
accordance with the usages of the denomination they pro- 
74 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

ceeded.to Constitute a church by the name and style of the 

Dallas Baptist church. Elder J. H. Booth was chosen pastor, 
and Jas. I). Moore and L. P. Stowe were chosen deacons 
and James R. Lewis, clerk, Dallas X. C. The church at tne 
present time (1882) has a membership of thirty-live persons, 
and a Sunday school of forty-one scholars superintended by 
flames D. Moore in good working order. The contributions 
for pastor, missions etc. for the year is $880.50. 



Double Springs Church is situated in Cleveland county, 
N. C. a short distance north of a public road leading from 
Shelby to Rutherfordton, via. Beam's store into Whiteside 
settlement. About seven miles northwesterly from the town 
of Shelby K C 

In the year 1844 Elders L. McCurry, Drury Dobbins, 
Josiah Durham, L. D. Crowderand others began to conduct 
religious services at a stand near the present Double Springs 
meeting house, and a lively interest resulted from their 
labors, whereupon, it was thought advisable to constitute a 
church, and a presbytery for that purpose was therefore con- 
vened in the year 1845 consisting of Elders D. Dobbins, L. 
McCurry and others; and thirty three persons were organ- 
ized into a regular church of the Baptist faith and order, to 
be known by the name and style of the Double Springs 
Baptist church; and brother W. Covington was appointed a 
delegate to represent the church in the next session of the 
Broad River Association and ask admission as a member of 
that body; which w T as done b\ the delegates and Double 
Springs became a member of the Broad River Association 
in 1845; and continued to be until she became a constituent 
member of the King's Mountain, in its organization at her 
meeting honsein 1851. 

Brethren Win. Covington, M. Gold and Thos. Wilson 
were the tirst deacons of this church, and VVm. M. Gold was 
appointed church clerk. Elder Lewis McCurry was chosen 
pastor, and continued in that relationship until 1847. Elder 
W. B. Padgett was his successor until '50, Elder J. Suttle 
till '55, Elder R. Poston till y o6, Elder J. Suttle a^ain till '60, 
Elder D. Wrav till '62, Elder J. H. Yorboro till '6S, Elder 
J. S. Ezell tilf'68, Elder T. Dixon till '71, Elder L. C. Ezell 
till '73, Elder G. M. Webb till '77, and Elder G. W. Robins 
till '82. 

This church derived its name from two notable free 
stone springs which supplies the large congregations that 
often attend the services of the sanctuary with very good and 
cool drinking water, the same being the fountain head of a 
branch of Brushy Creek. It now has a membership of 204 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 587 

members, and has enjoyed many precious revival meetings 
aud appears to be realizing as fully as any, the object of its 
organization. It can also rejoice in having sent into the gos- 
pel vineyard one promising laborer in the person of Eider J. 
M. Bridges. Double Springs has at present the following corps 
of deacons, viz: Bros. John Bridges, D. A. F. Hamrick, 
btreete Harrill, E.J. Lovelace and Berry Hamrick, Brd. W. 
W. Washburn church clerk Shelby, X. C. Annual contri- 
butions to pastor, missions etc §264.12 



Fair View Church is situated in Rutherford County N".- 
C. in u Whitesides settlement''' near the head ot Golden Vailev 
on the public road leading to Marion, about 17 miles north- 
easterly from Rutherfordton and a short distance from where 
the Head of First Broad church was lirst located on an em- 
inence commanding a delightful view of the surrounding 
mountain scenery, hence the appropriate name Fair View. 

About fifteen members of Baptist churches in this sec- 
tion of country being inconveniently situated to attend pub- 
lic worship and hoping and believing that the organization 
of a church in this locality would tend to the furtherance of 
the gospel of Christ, did on Friday before the 3rd Lord's day 
in August 1882 call to their aid a presbytery of ministers and 
deacons who proceeded to look into their religious standing, 
and finding the little band orthodox in their true faith of the 
gospel constituted them into a regular Baptist church to be 
known by the name and style of the Fair View Baptist 
Church. J. L. Yelton was ordained a deacon, and J. W. 
Whisnant was appointed the clerk, Golden Valley, N. C. 

At the session of the King's Mountain Association at 
Bethel church in 1882 this church was admitted to member- 
ship in said body. Ho report is made of pastor, Sunday 
school or contributions to Associational objects, the church 
beiti£ in an infantile state and without a meeting house at 
the present time. 



Gastonia Church is situated in the town of Gastonia on 
the Air Line rail road in Gaston county JST. C. About eight 
miles from the town of King's Mountain and on the west side 
of the Catawba River. This church was constituted by a 
presbytery consisting of Elders A. K. Durham, P. R. Elam 
and D. Thomasson, together with some attending deacons, 
on the 28th of April 1877, under the name and style of the 
Gastonia Baptist church. Elder P. R. Elam was chosen 
pastor and at a subsequent meeting brethren T. G. Chalk and 
R. L. Johnson were ordained deacons; and T. G. Chalk church 
t 



58S HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

clerk Gastonia N". C. The following is a list of the names of 
those organized, : E. C. McAlister, Martha McAlister, Jonas 
Jenkins, Sarah Jenkins, J. W. Smith, V. S. Smith, S. Head, 
R. S. Head, J. R. Robinson, T. G. Chalk, M. N. Chalk, C. H. 
Lay, Eliza Lay, Lee Garrison, Florence Garrison, J. M. 
Bynum, SallieBynum, Isabella Smith, Eliza Johnson, S. F. 
Chalk, C. C. Smith, P. C. Gladden, J. A. Mason, Martha M. 
Glenn, Sarah Lay, Ella Chalk, Martha Capps. 

From some unknown cause this church has failed to be 
represented in the Association for the last two years. At 
the session of the King's Mountain, in 1877, after their or- 
ganization, the church through her delegates applied for 
admission into the cofederacy of churches of which that body 
is composed, and were cordially received and is recognized 
as one of the churches of that bodv. Gastonia has had Elder 
S. T. Pu^h in the pastorate irTl878 and '79, Elder P. R. 
Elam in '80, Elder J. H. Booth in '81. 



High Shoal Church is situated in Rutherford county, 
N. C, about one mile northeasterly from the High Shoals 
on second Broad River, from which the church derives its 
name. This church was constituted by a presbytery con- 
sisting of Elders Drury Dobbins, John Padgett and others, 
July 27th, 1831. And at the session of the Broad River 
Association the same year at Buck Creek church, was ad- 
mitted to membership in that body, having then seventeen 
members in fellowship. Elder John Padgett was chosen 
pastor andbrethren J. Dobbins,Dan'l Rollins and W. Padgett 
were among the first deacons, and Micajah Durham was 
church clerk for several years. 

At the session of 1841 the High Shoal church was dis- 
missed to join with the Green River body, then a new or- 
ganization, and she contiuned in that connection until after 
the formation of the Kings Mountain Association in 1851, 
and the next year (1852) joined that body and continued un- 
til the session of 1860 when at her own meeting house she 
seceeded and united with other churches in organizing the 
"Constitutional" King's Mountain Association, with which 
she remained until 1866, when the matters in dispute were 
compromised and settled by a convention of the churches of 
both parties. 

Elder John Padgett having served as pastor until 1835, 
Elder J. M. Webb then served until '41, when the church 
joined the Green River Association. / After her return to 
Kind's Mountain in 1852 Elder G. "W. Rollins was her pas- 
tor until 1856, Elder D. Pannell then till '58, Elder W. Mc- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. , 599 

Swain till '(50. Then the schism took place and continued 
until 1866. Elder G. M, Webb served from 1867 to '71, 
Elder R. Ppstou to 73 and Elder G. W. Rollins till '82. 

The present membership number, for 1882, 262 persons 
and a Sunday school superintended by J. M. Goode is re- 
ported . Her last year's report of contributions for pastor, 
missions, etc., is only $5.80. Her present corps of deacons 
are brothers Xehemiah Dobbins, E. D. Hawkins, J. M. 
Goode, Wm. Walker and Silas Bland, and J. P. Burgess, 
•clerk. 

High Shoal is greatly honored under God of being the 
foster mother of Elders J. M. Webb and Alanson Padgett, 
both of whom are now dead, but were able and useful min- 
isters of the gospel of Christ in their time. 



Leonard's Fork Church is situated in Lincoln county 
X. C. about five miles west from the town of Lincolnton, 
eighteen persons being members of Baptist churches in the 
vicinity of this place, desiring as a matter of convenience in 
attending public worship, to be organized into a church, did 
for this purpose ask for the assembling of a presbytery having 
this object in view; and on the 25th day of April 1882 such 
presbytery was convened, consisting of Elder A. L. Stough 
and others, who being satisfied of their orthodoxy in the faith 
of the Gospel of Christ, did proceed to constitute them into 
a regular Baptist church, by the name and style of the 
Leonard's Fork Baptist church. J. J., Corn well and W. H. 
Hoover were ordained deacons; and W. H. Hoover, church 
clerk, Lincolnton 1ST. C. This church is a part of Eider A. 
L. Stough's missionary labors in a section of country where 
Lutheranism is the most prevalent religious profession. 



Long Creek Church was once a member of the Bethel 
Association; which body was organized in 1789. The Broad 
River body was organized in 1800, and the Long Creek 
church being one of those dismissed from the Bethel for the 
purpose of becoming a constituent member of the Broad 
River body, was probably constituted some time previous to 
1789. But no church records can now be found to give the 
precise date of its constitution. It is however reasonable to 
suppose that the two ministers mentioned by brother R. E. 
Porter in the case of Buffalo church as coming from Sandy 
Creek Association in North Carolina in the year 1772, and 
in an informal way of some sort organizing that church, did 
in like manner organize not only Long Creek but also Sandy 
Ruu church the same year. This is probable from the fact 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHUR€HE& 

that these three old churches are situated in the same regioD 
of country and would he compassed in their missionary tour. 
The probable true date of the constitution of Long Creelc 
church, therefore, is 1772, the same as Sandy Run and 
Buffalo churches. 

This ancient church is situated in what is now Gaston 
county (formerly Lincoln) N. C. About three miles south- 
easterly from the town of Dallas. It remained a member of 
the Broad River Association until the session of the King's 
Mountain in 1854, when it joined that body by letter, and 
remained in that connection until 1862, it w r as then dismissed 
and rejoined the Broad River, but in the session of 1880 of the 
King's Mountain it was again admitted to membership in 
that body, and is now a member. 

This church has had many pastors, but seemes to have 
had no regular supply until the year 1827. Elder B. T. 
Kirby was pastor till 1833, Elder J. Lowe in 35-'36, Elder 
John Mullinax in '37,-'38, Elder T. K. Purseley in '39-'40, 
Elder W. Poland in '41, Elder J. M. Thomas in '42, Elder 
W. Hill from '43 to '47, Elder M. Mullinax iri '48, Elder, J. 
Suttle in '50, Elder I. D. Durham in '51, ('52 and '53 no 
pastor,) Elder A. J. Cansler in '54, Elder R. P. Logan '55,, 
Elder A. J. Cansler in '56, Elder W. Hill from '57 to '60, 
Elder R. P. Logan in '61, Elder A. J. Cansler in '62. She 
then left the King's Mountain Association till '80, Elder G, 
M. Webb in '81 and '82. Brethren Reuben Jenkins, Sam'l 
Weathers, W. Holloway were deacons of this church in days- 
of yore. 

The present membership numbers 146 ; and a Sunday- 
school of twenty three scholars is reported superintended by 
J. A. Eaton. Her contributions for 1882 to different objects 
is reported §339.91. Her present pastor is Elder G. M. 
Webb. Her present corps of deacons are Allen Withers, 
Wm. Smith and Thos, Smith, J. A. Eaton, church clerk, 
Dallas N, C. 



Mount Harmony is situated in Rutherford county, N r 
C, near the main road leading into Whiteside settlement in 
the Biggerstaff neighborhood, nearly east of Rutherfordton 
about twelve miles, and southerly from Golden Valley about 
four miles; was formerly a member of the Green River As- 
sociation, but joined the King's Mountain at its session in 
1867. It was constituted by a presbytery consisting of Elders 
Wm. McSwain, D. Panned, and others, on the 16th day of 
November 1860. Elder Wm. McSwain was chosen first pas- 
tor and Abram Toney and Joshua Earles were the first 
deacons, and A, W. Biggerstaff was the church clerk. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHORCHES. 591 

Brethren J. Earles and 0. Yelton represented the church 
when she was received into the King's Mountain body, her 
total membership at that time being 93 persons. Elder Win. 
McSwain continued to supply this church until 1872, when 
Elder M. Paunell was chosen pastor until 74, then Elder 13. 
E. Rollins was chosen. Elder J. XL Bridges became pastor in 
1876 and has continued that relationship to the present time 
82*) The church now numbers 145 members and has a 
*Suuday school of 35 scholars, superintended by J. W. Mur- 
ray very profitably. No contributions only for minutes are 
reported. Her present corps of deacons are W. J. Toney, 
John Melton, Charles Yelton and J. W. Murray. J. L. 
Padgett, church clerk, Sunshine, N. C. 



Mount Paran Church is situated in York county S. C. 
near the Whitaker Mountain, about three miles northeaster- 
ly from Black's Station on the Air Line rail road. This 
church was constituted 1853 of thirty-nine members, through 
the labors of Elder J. J. Jones and others. The first deacons- 
were Joseph Sapaugh, A. W, Holt, P. Harmon and P. 
Sapaugh, W. II. Carroll was chosen clerk of the church, and 
it was admitted into the King's Mountain Association at its 
session in 1853. Eider J. J. Jones was chosen pastor, who 
•continued in that connection until 1860; when the church 
receded from the Association, and joined in the organiza- 
tion of the "constitutional'' King's Mountain Association; 
and remained until the matters in dispute were settled by a 
convention of the churches in 1866. In 1867 Elder D. Pan- 
nell was pastor, in '68 Elder T. Dixon, in '69 A. A. McSwain, 
in 70 Elder P. R. Elam to '75, in '75 till '77 Elder A. A. 
McSwain and Elder A. C. Ervin from '77 to 82. The pres- 
ent membership is 120 persons. And the church has a 
Sunday school superintended by James M. Martin of seventy 
scholars in good working order. Her present corps of 
deacons are George EL Martin, Peter Sapaugh, Willie Martin, 
A. W. Holt, P. Harmon and J. S. Earls. And Farmer 
Moore is church clerk, Whitaker's S. C. Annual contribu- 
tions to pastor, missions etc. $139.95. 



Mount Pleasant Church is situated in Cleveland county, 
X. C, about three miles northwesterly from the mouth of 
Sandy Run Creek at Nicholson's old Ferry, and about eight 
miles southeasterly from Forest City. 

This church was constituted January 12th. 1849, through 
the ministerial labors of Elders T. Dixon, G. W. Rollins and 
others. At the time of organization forty members were en- 



592 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHUBCHES. 

rolled, and Elder T. Dixon was chosen pastor, and M. Jollyv 
John Matheny and J. M. Hamrick were the first deacons^ 
and W. B, Ilames the church clerk. The church was ad- 
mitted to membership with the Broad River Association at 
her session in 1849, and she continued that relationship until 
in 1851, she was then dismissed to become a constituent 
member of the King's Mountain body. In 1851 Elder IX 
Pannell was pastorlill 1852, Elder G. W. Rollins till '53. 
Elder D. Pannell till '54, Elder L. H. McSwain till '57, Elder 
Wm. McSwain till '59, Elder A. A. McSwain till '60. The 
church then seceded and with Elder Wm. McSwain as pas- 
tor joined in the organization of the ''Constitutional" King's 
Mountain Association. After the reconstruction in 1866- 
Elder L. C. Ezell was pastor till 1870, Elder A. A. McSwain 
till '74, Elder J. M. Bridges till '76, Elder A. C. Irvin till '82. 
The church now has a membership of 212 persons and a 
Sunday school of forty scholars superintended by T. M. Hol- 
land. The present corps of deacons are ToliverD. Scruggs. 
David Matheny, J. D. Simmons, J. A. Scruggs, J. M. Ham- 
rick and John Matheny. Brother J. D. Simmons is church 
clerk, Nicholson ville, jST. C. 

The Mount Pleasant church is now on a progressive 
march, having had some very interesting revival meetings 
within the last few years. She is entitled to the honor of 
licensing Elder G. W. Rollins in 1851 to preach the gospel 
of Christ, he then being a member of said church, and now 
a prominent minister of the King's Mountain Association. 
Annual contributions. to pastor, missions, etc., §54.50. 



Mount Sinai Church is situated in Cleveland county, X. 
G, on the McS wain's Ford road; about three miles north 
easterly from Ellis' Ferry on main Broad River, and about 
eight miles south westerly from Shelby N. G This church 
was first an arm of Buffalo, and constituted on the 20th of 
May 1848 by a presbytery consisting of Elders L. H. Mc- 
Swain and deacons from several churches. When constituted 
Mount Sinai had thirty members, and joined the Broad 
River Association at its session in 1849, remaining with said 
body until 1851. It was then dismissed to become a consti- 
tuent member in the formation of the King's Mountain 
Association. Elder L. H. McSwain having taken an active 
part in the measures leading to the organization of this 
church, was therefore, chosen pastor; who continued till 
1854; when Elder B. Bonner, became pastor until 1856, 
Elder L. H. McSwain again till '60. The church then se- 
ceded and became a member of the "Constitutional" King's 
Mountain Association when Elder Wm. McSwain became 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 593 

the pastor. After the reconstruction, in 1866 the church wan 
not represented until 1867, Elder L. H. MeSwain was then 
pastor till 71, when A. A. MeSwain became pastor till 72, 
Elder T. H. Mullinax till 78, Elder L. H. MeSwain till 77, 
and Elder T. H. Mullinax till the present time (1882.) 

Thos. MeSwain, John Randall and John MeSwain were 
the first deacons, and John Randall church clerk. Her 
present membership is eight}* three persons. She has a 
Sunday school of fifty live scholars, superintended by C. B. 
Blanton. Her present corps of deacons are W. R. Hamrick 
C. B. Blanton, Starling Weaver and G. W. Blanton. Bro. 
S. Wylie the church clerk, Erwinsville X. C. In 1882 
Mount Sinai church ordained P. S. Mullino, to the full work 
of the gospel ministry. Annual contributions to pastor, 
missions etc. not fully reported. 



Mount Vernon Church is situated in Lincoln county X. 
C. on the main Morganton road, about sixteen miles south 
westerly from Lincolnton. This church was first a member 
of Catawba River Association, (which was formed in 1828,) 
and joined the King's Mountain in 1852. When Mount Ver- 
non joined the King's Mountain body she had a membership 
of fifty persons, and Elder A. J. Cansler had been retained 
as pastor. In 1853-'54, Elder M. Williams served, in 1855- 
'dQ Elder J. F. Leatherman was pastor, in '57 J. M. Wil- 
liams, in '58 A. A. MeSwain. From then to 1867 J. F. 
Leatherman was pastor, Elder T. II. Mullinax till 70, J. F. 
Leatherman asraiii till 72, Elder J. Smith till '73, Elder Geo. 
J. Wilkie tilf'76, Elder A. Hilderbran till 77, Elder G. J. 
"Wilkie till 78, and Elder J. P. Styers until '82. The mem- 
bership has increased to 119 persons; and the church has a 
Sunda}- school superintended by 0. C. Thompson, doing 
good service in training the young, which has been greatly 
neglected. The contributions to pastor, mission etc., as 
reported are 869.50, which although small is an improvement 
on former years. S. J. Weaver is the clerk of the church, 
Hull's Cross roads N. C. 



Xew Bethel Church is situated in Cleveland county, 
X. C, on the main public road leading from Shelby to Ma- 
rion, about twelve miles nearly north from Shelby, and nearly 
one mile southeasterly from Maple Shoal on Maple Creek. 

There being several members of Baptist churches in this 

section remotely situated from their respective places of 

worship, the church of Zion was requested to extend an arm 

to this place to receive and baptize members, which was 

75 



594 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

granted, whereupon after successful labors by several minis- 
ters, prominent among whom were Elders J. Suttle and T. 
Dixon, the several brethren and sisters covenanted togeth- 
er in the year 1847, and agreed to ask for a presbytery to 
organize them into a church of the Baptist faith and order, 
and such presbytery was convened on the 29th of July, 1848, 
thereafter and twenty-five person were constituted a regular 
Baptist church by the name and style of New Bethel Baptist 
Church, which church at her request was admitted into the 
Broad River Association at its session of 1848, in which 
body she remained a worthy member until dismissed in '51 
to become a constituent member of the King's Mountain 
body the same year. Her first pastor was Elder T. Dixon 
who continued until 1857, Elder J. Suttle then became pas- 
tor until '61, Elder P. R. Elam till '62, Elder L. McCurrv 
till '65, Elder T. Dixon again till 7 66, Elder R. Poston till 
'70, T. Dixon till '73, R. Poston till '74, T. Dixon till '79, 
Elder J. A. White was then chosen till '81 who is now the 
pastor (1882.) 

The first deacons were A, S, Elam, R, T. Hord Fr's 
Lattimore, and the first clerk was R, T Hord, New Bethel 
now has a membership of 165 persons, and a Sunday school 
of 55 scholar superintended by R. L. Limrick. a licensed 
preacher. 

This church has enjoyed many good revival meetings, 
and is a progressive bodv. Her present corps of deacons are 
R. T. Hord, W. A. Thompson, David Cline, Thomas J. 
Dixon and E. A. Morgan. E. A. Morgan is church clerk, 
Double Shoals, N. C. 

The New Bethel church has been the foster mother of 
brethren I. M. Williams, P. R. Elam, J. A. Beam and A. T. 
Hord The two latter of whom are now students at Wake 
Forest College, and licentiates of the church to preach the un- 
searchable riches of Christ, while the first two named have 
been engaged in ministerial work since 1855. Annual con- 
tribution to pastor, mission etc., $231.05. 



New Hope Church is situated in Cleveland county N. 
C. on the Ross Ferry road about seven miles nearly south of 
Shelby; and four miles nearly west from Whitaker station on 
the Air Line railway. A presbytery consisting of Elders T. 
Dixon, T. H. Mullinax, L. H. McSwain, G. M. Webb, A, C, 
Dixon and P. R. Elam, together with deacons from several 
of the churches around was convened August 1874, and 
proceeded to constitute 161 persons mostly dismissed from 
other churches, (and those having joined this arm of Buffalo,) 
into a regular church to be hereafter known by the name 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 595 

and style of New Hope Baptist church. Elder T.Dixon was 
chosen pastor; and A. Earls, James McSwain and J. H. 
Austell were chosen the first deacons; andL. M. Logan clerk 
of the church. This church now numbers 247 members and 
has a Sabbath school of fifty scholars, superintended by W. 
M. Francis. 

No contributions for any object only the publishing of 
minutes appear reported. Elder T. Dixon was pastor until 
1882, Elder P. R, Elam was then chosen, and is now 
pastor. The present corps of deacons are brethren R, E. 
Harrill, J. H, Austell, J as, McSwain, A. Earls. A. I. Borders 
is clerk of the church, Erwinsville, N. C. The New Hope 
church licensed Elder P. S, Mullino to preach the gospel 
who was afterwards ordained by Mount Sinai. The brethren 
here enjoy protracted meetings; and are hospitable to strangers 
and tolerably prompt in their attendance on divine worship. 



New Prospect Church is situated in Cleveland county 
N. C. on the road leading from Shelby to Lincolnton via. of 
Beam's Mills on main Buffalo creek. TJie church being 
only about two hundred yards east of where the road crosses 
the creek, and about eight miles northeasterly from Shelby. 
The organization of this church resulted chiefly from the 
labors of Elders T. Dixon, W. Hill and J. Suttle; and was 
constituted October 6th, 1854, numbering then eighty-five 
members; being the proceeds mostly of protracted meetings 
held some time previously. Elder T. Dixon w r as chosen 
pastor of the church, and brethren J. C. Hoyle, J. L. Led- 
ford, Andrew Beam, V. H. Elliott and J. F. "Wilson were 
chosen the first deacons, and J. C. Hoyle church clerk. The 
localhy of New Prospect is some what broken, but not in- 
accessible, the church is situated, too, in a fertile and popu- 
lous section of country, where there is ample material for 
large congregations. The people are nearly all of the Baptist 
persuasion, and seem to have no relish for anything but the 
plain old Gospel of their fathers. It is no place for new isms to 
take root and develop their pernicious influences. 

In 1863, for reasons satisfactory to the church, she took a 
letter of dismission from the King's Mountain Association, 
and joined the Broad River body; but returned again in 
1871, and is now a worthy member of the King's Mountain, 
numbering at this time 282 members, and had a Sunday 
School in 1881, of ninety scholars superintended by Brother 
W. J. Nantz. Elder T. Dixon has been the pastor of New 
Prospect trom the time of constitution to the present time 
excepting the year 1878; when Elder J. P. Styers was pastor. 
The following are the present corps of deacons, Andrew 

t 



596 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

Beam, J. C. Hoyle, Alpheus Hamrick, J. L. Ledford, W. M. 

Alexander and Jesse Herd. J. C. Hoyle is the clerk of the 
church, Shelby K C. 



Pleasant Grove Church is situated in Cleveland county, 
In t . C, on the main road leading from Shelby to Morgan ton, - 
about ten miles aflittle northeasterly from the first named 
place. 

This church was formed through the instrumentality of 
ministerial labors dispensed mostly by Elder J. P. iStyers 
who is now a member of the same. A presbytery consisting 
of Elders T. Dixon, A. C. Irvin and^J. P. IStyers was con- 
vened at this beautiful grove on the 11th of October, 1878, 
and fifty-one persons from New Bethel church and forty-seven 
from New Proepeet, making an aggregate of ninety-eight 
members were regularly constituted into a Baptist church to 
be hereafter known by the name and style of the Pleasant 
Grove Baptist Church. Elder J. P. Styers was chosen pas- 
tor, and the following brethren were subsequently chosen as 
deacons: Andrew Beam, Hezekiah Dedman, P. Z. Carpenter 
and liufus W. Gardner. Brother R. W. Gardner was also 
chosen church clerk, Beam's Mill, IS". C. 

At the session of the King's Mountain Association held 
in 1879 at New Prospect, this church through her delegates 
H. Dedman, P. Z. Carpenter, J. A. Hendrick and R. W. 
Gardner applied for membership in that body and was cor- 
dially received. She then reported 159 persons as her mem- 
bership at the time of admission, thirty-five having been bap- 
tized into her fellowship and seventeen received by letter 
since she was constituted. She now has a membership of 
180 persons and reports a Sunday school of sixty-five scholars 
and has excellent prospective surroundings; has a good meet- 
ing house and a lot of live acres of land not easily excelled 
in beauty and convenience, while the population around is 
tolerably dense and well-to-do, entertaining too, pretty much 
the same views in matters pertaining to religion. Her annual 
contributions to pastor and missions are reported $145.25. 

The session of the Association for 1883 convenes- with 
this church and a pleasant time is anticipated by the mem- 
bership. May their expectations and desires in that direc- 
tion be fully realied ! 



Pleasant Hill Church is one of the original constitu- 
ents of the King's mountain Association; located in Cleveland 
county, N. C, on the road leading from Shelby 1ST. C. via. 
Stroup Bro's mills on main Buffalo creek, and King's Moun- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 5M 

Battle Ground, to Yorkville S. C. About five and a 
half miles southeast from Shelby; one half mile north west 
of Buffalo, and eight and a half miles from the Battle Ground. 

In the year 1850, an arm of the Zoar church was ex- 
tended to the neighborhood of this church, then destitute of 
preaching; and religious services were conducted under a 
Lush arbor erected for the occasion; and several ministers, to 
wit: Elders T. Dixon, R. P. Logan, L, II. McSwain and 
brethren B. E. and G. W. Rollins, -and sometimes J. M. Mc- 
Orawj, then Licentiates frequently attended and preached for 
the people at this rude place. During the period of their 
labors a considerable revival resulted; and quite a number of 
persons joined by experience; and it was thought advisable to 
•organize a church there, whereupon a meeting house was 
soon erected and a presbytery convened on the 7th day of 
February 1851; which being regularly organized by calling 
Elder T. Dixon to the chair as moderator and Brother J. R. 
Logan to act as secretary, the names of twenty nine persons 
were then reported as having been dismissed from the Zoar 
church to become constituents of the contemplated new 
church. Their articles of faith as submitted to the presby- 
tery being examined and considered orthodox, a suitable 
church covenant was agreed on and signed by the parties; 
and upon a motion of presbytery they were constituted a 
regiuar Baptist church of Christ, to be known and distin- 
guished from other churches by the name of Pleasant Hill. 

At a meeting of the church on April 17th thereafter, 
Henderson Roberts, John Ham and Clark Allen were elected 
•deacons and Simeon Putman, church clerk. And on the 
18th July following those chosen to the office of deacons 
were regularly ordained by Elder R. P. Logan leading the 
presbytery in prayer and the fmposition of hands. Brethren 
G. W. Rollins and J. M. McCraw preached awhile for the 
new church, and subsequently Brother Rollins was engaged to 
continue his labors, which he did regularly until 1856, Elder 
R. Poston was then chosen pastor for 1856 and '57. Bro. 
J. A. Roberts had been chosen church clerk on 6th May 
1854, on July 4th '56 brothers J. A. Roberts, D. R. Bell and 
S. A. Wilson having been previously elected deacons were 
ordained, by Elders T. Dixon, R, Poston and others. Elder 
A. A. McSwain was at this meeting chosen pastor and served 
the church in 1858 and '59. Elder J. Suttle was chosen pas- 
tor in '60, and Elder D. Wray in '61 and '62, Elder G. "W. 
Rollins in '63, iu '64 Elder D. Wray was again chosen pastor 
and continued in that relationship through the year '66 and 
'66. The war between the States had made sad havoc of the 
membership of this church; no less than twenty of the male 



MS HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES, 

members were killed or sickened and died; amongst whores 
was deacon Clark Allen, who fell at the battle of Manassas., 
in Virginia. Elder T. Dixon was again chosen pastor for 
1867, Elder R. P. Logan succeeded him in '68- and '69, in 
'70 the church engaged the services of Elder G. M. Web.b y 
who still remains the pastor to this present time (1882); and. 
it is hoped there will not be so many changes hereafter. 

On the 2nd day of May, 1879, brothers David Allen, D. 
T. Dover, W. A. J. Hamrick and M. L. Putnam having 
been previously elected by the church were ordained to the 
office of deacon by Elders T. Dixon, P. R. Elam and others 
as a presbytery. 

The present acting corps of deacons are brothers J. A. 
Roberts, S. A. Wilson, D. Allen, D. T. Dover, W. A. J. 
Hamrick and M. L. Putnam. J. A. Roberts, church clerk., 
Durbro, K C. 

At present the church numbers 247 members, has an 
evergreen Sunday school of fifty scholars superintended by 
Brother J. A. Roberts, which appears to be doing much good 
in imparting to the scholars Biblical instruction and a 
thorough knowledge of vocal music. The Bible in collec- 
tion with the denominational Sunday school literature of the 
Baptists is the only thing used in the school. 

The Pleasant Hill church is an active progressive insti- 
tution, prompt in the discharge of christian duties, and es- 
pecially so in their attention to divine worship at the sanctu- 
ary, liberal in supporting their pastor and home and foreign 
missions, and indeed every other laudable enterprise, having 
for its object the spread of the gospel of Christ according to 
the ability with which God has blessed them. When we 
first became acquainted with %e Pleasant Hill church, which 
was in its first incipiency and organization, it was certainly 
very feeble and hardly self-sustaining, but it is now through 
the providence of God and its own praise-worthy exertions 
one among the best and most energetic of the King's Moun- 
tain churches. Since it organization in 1851 it has enjoyed 
many refreshing seasons and precious revivals. May it en- 
joy many more and prove a fruitful and fostering mother of 
other churches in the future! Annual contributions to pas- 
tor, missions, etc., $162.25. 



Ross' Grove Church is situated in Cleveland county, K. 
C, about 2 miles northeasterly from the town of Shelby. 
Fifty-seven persons living convenient to this place, being 
mostly members of Zion, Shelby and other churches around, 
through the ministerial labors of Elders A. L. Stough, J. P, 
Styers, R, Poston and others covenanted together, and peti- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 599 

Cioned the Zion church to extend to them an arm to receive 
'members with the view to the organization of a church, 
which request was granted, and after some profitable labors 
were dispensed among them a presbytery consisting of 
Eiders R. Poston, A. C. Irvin, A. A. McSwain, J. P. Styers 
together with several deacons from the surrounding churches 
Avas convened on the 30th of September, 1881, and a regular 
Baptist church was constituted to be known by the name 
and style of Ross' Grove church, whereupon Brother R. Y. 
"Weathers was ordained a deacon and C. C. Wilson appointed 
olerk of the church. At the late session of the King's Moun- 
tain Association (in 1882) this church being repesented by 
brethren R. Y. Weathers and H. Dedman asked for admis- 
sion and was received as a member of that body. They are 
yet without a pastor, but reports a flourishing Sunday school 
•superintended by EL Dedman of 87 scholars. Annual con- 
tribution for missions reported §4.10. 



Sandy Run Church was once a member of the Bethel 
Association, a body organized in 1879; but in 1800 she became 
a constituent member of the Broad River Association, organ- 
ized that year. According to the historian^ Benedict, the 
Sandy Run church was constituted in the year 1788; which 
is probably correct; although a later writer, Elder D. 
Scruggs, gives 1772 as the proper date. If the latter date be 
correct, there was probably some defect or informality in the 
iirst presbyterial trial proceedings, as in the case of Buffalo 
church; which was afterwards rectified in 1788. The church 
is situated in what is now Cleveland county, formerly Ruth- 
erford county]^. C. a short distance south of the main public 
road leading from Shelby to Rutherfordton, about ten miles 
from Shelby, and in the suburbs of a little town by the name 
of Mooresboro, about one mile west of Sandy Run creek; 
from which stream the church derived its name. Tradition, 
(in the absence of published records) says the Broad River 
Association was organized at this church; which is doubtless 
true from other circumstances. 

Elder Drury Dobbins, appears to have been the pastor 
from 1803 to the year of his death, which occurred in 1847 
— a pastorate of forty four years — and during that long 
period, it is said he scarcely ever failed to fill his pulpit ac- 
cording to his appointments. About the year 1842, an 
attempt was made, (which to some extent succeeded) by a 
"Primitive" minister, to draw off a portion of this church, 
with a view to the organization of a church of the Primitive 
order, a church of that kind was constituted in the vicinity 
of Sandy Ruu, and several of the members joined, two of 



600 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES 

whom were afterwards ordained ministers of that order. The 
defection however, was not extensive and it is believed has- 
about died out entirely. Some at this day allege that Elder 
Drury Dobbins was a Primitive, but such do greatly err„- 
The iirst deacons of this old church are not now certainly 
known; brethren Wm. McKinney, David Beam and J, 
Huckaby were certainly deacons in the days of yore; and. 
Daniel Gold was an old clerk. The Sandy Run church now 
numbers 304 persons in fellowship; and has a Sunday school, 
of seventy scholar, superintended by J. E. Green. Her last 
years contributions to pastor, missions etc. (as reported) is put 
at $19. The present corps oi deacons are brethren W. B. 
Stroud, J. H. J ones, M. D. Padgett, B. B. Harris, J. H. Beam,, 
Kobt. McBrayer and VV. B. Lovelace. Brother W.B. Love- 
lace is the church clerk, MooresboroN. C. Elder J. S. Ezell 
since Elder D. Dobbin's death was pastor in 1848-49,, Elder 
T. Dixon in '50, Elder J. S. Ezell in '51-2, T. Dixon till '54. 
Elder J. Suttle till '55, Elder G. W. Rollins till '66, Elder jl 
S. Ezell till '69, Elder G. W. Rollins till '79, Elder T. Dixon 
till '82. .Elder A. A. McSwain was sent into the gospel 
ministry by this church, who proves a faithful and useful 
laborer in the Lord's vineyard. 



Shady Grove Church is situated in Gaston county N. (X 
on the road leading from Cherryville station on the Carolina 
Central railroad to Dallas; about three miles south easterly 
from the said station. The following named persons having 
been dismissed from Mount Zion church for the purpose of 
organizing a new church affording more convenience in at- 
tending public worship. I. P. Hicks, Mary Hick, Noah 
Mauney, Catherine Mauney, John Neill, James Snead, M. 
L. Hullett, M. L. Neill, Jacob Brilheardt, C. M. Crowder, 
James Eans, Samuel Paris, R. B. Hicks, J. G. Taylor, C, 
Eaker, J. A. Hoyle, E. L. Paris, Sarah Brilheardt, Lydia 
Stroup, Sarah Beam, P. C. McGinnas, M. E. Black, Sarah 
Brown, Isabel Black, Anna Black, Cynthia Beam, M. A, 
Crowder, Elizabeth Mauney, M. A. Hullett, E. C. Faris and 
Elvira Mauney, were on November 25th 1881, constituted a 
regular Baptist church to be known by the name and style of 
Shady Grjve Baptist church. The presbytery officiating 
consisting of Elders A. L. Stough, A. A. McSwain, A. C. 
Irvin, and deacons from surrounding churches. Brother J. 
A. Hoyle a constituent member, was ordained to the full 
work of the ministry June 16th 1882, and chosen pastor of 
the church, and Noah Mauney, M. L. Hullett and James 
Paris were ordained deacons to act with brother I. P. Hicks, 
who was formerly a deacon of Mount Zion; and M. L. Hullett 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 601 

was chosen to act as church clerk, Cherryville N. C. This 
church when admitted into the King's Mountain Association 
reported a membership of forty one persons, and a Sunday 
school of 116 scholars, superintended by S. R. W. Faris in 
good working order. Annual contributions to pastor, mis- 
sions etc. $44.10. 



Shelby Church is situated in the Xorth west square of 
the town of Shelby, fronting LaFayette street on the east 
side, on a lot of 100 by 200 reet. In the year 1846, a meet- 
ing house was erected for public worship, and religious 
services were conducted at various times by Elders D. Dob- 
bins, J. M, Webb and others, until on the 19th day of June 
1847 a presbytery was convened consisting of Elders Drury 
Dobbins, J. M. Webb and several other ministers and dea- 
cons from the surrounding churches, and 25 persons dis- 
missed from other churchesaiound, were constituted a regular 
Baptist church of Christ, to be known by the name and 
style of the Shelby Baptist Church. 

Brethren William Roberts, J. R. Logan and David 
Warlick were the first deacons, Dr. Thomas Williams, the 
clerk of the church. Elder James M. Webb was chosen 
pastor, and William Roberts and J. R. Logan appointed 
delegates to represent the church in the Broad River Asso- 
ciation, (which convened at Zoar, October 15th 1847,) and 
ask for admission into that body, and the church was received 
accordingly at that session. 

The Shelby church has had several pastors, serving at 
different times since her organization; Elder J. M, Webb in 
1847-48-49, Elder M. C. Barnett in '50-51. After joining the 
King's Mountain Association in 1856 she called to the pas- 
torate Elder A. J. Cansler, in '57 Elder T. Dixon, in '58 the 
church had no pastor, in '59 Elder T. Dixon was again pas- 
tor and the church was dismissed from the King's Mountain 
Association. She again joined the Broad River Association 
in 1863 and remained until the session of '71, when she was 
dismissed from said body to rejoin the King's Mountain; of 
which body she is now an active progressive and worthy 
member; having had Elders E. A. Crawly, T. R. Gaines, W. 
Hill, M. C. Barnett, JST. B. Cobb, and more recently, W. A. 
Xelson, as her pastor; during which time the church has 
been greatly revived and built up, her present membership 
exceeding 200 persons. She has an evergreen Sabbath 
school of 240 scholars well equipped and in good progressive 
working order. 

Most of all, this church is worthy of praise for the noble 
efforts thev have made in behalf of Female Education, as 
" 76 



602 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

manifested in the erection of the Shelby Female Seminary; 
which stands out in bold relief not only as an honor to the 
church, but to the Baptist denomination in the section of its 
locality. 

The church has a live corps of deacons consisting of W. 
W. Green, L. N. Durham, Thos. D. Lattimore, J. S. Wray 
and J. A. Parker. A. R. Eskridge clerk of the church, 
Shelby N. C, and T. D. Lattimore treasurer. W. A.Nelson 
D. D. is the present pastor of the church, who proves a host 
within himself in point of administrative talent. Annual 
contributions to pastor, missions, education etc. $1680.93. 

* State Line Church (Whitaker) is located in Cleveland 
county N. C. on the northsicle of the line dividing North 
and South Carolina, and a few paces north of the Air Line 
Railway, in the town of Whitaker, which is a little south of 
the road leading from Shelby to Yorkville S. C. via. King's 
Mountain Battle Ground, about ten miles southeasterly 
from Shelby. 

The King's Mountain church of recent organization, 
near the Battle Ground, together with several members of 
other churches around, finding this place more accessible 
and convenient in other respects for the observance of public 
worship, united together and on the 23rd of November 1878 
was constituted a regular Baptist church to be known by the 
name and style of the State Line Baptist church. The pre. 
bytery officiating -were Elders L. H, McSwaln, A. A. Mc- 
Swain, T. H. Mullinax together with the deacons of several 
churches. At the session of the King's Mountain Associa- 
lion in 1879 this church was admitted to membership in that 
body. Elder L. H. McSwain was called to the pastorate and 
continued until 1880; Elder G. P. Hamrick succeeded him 
and is still pastor of the church. 

This church when first organized had 62 members, and 
now numbers 154; has a good house of worship, and an in- 
teresting Sunday school of seventy scholars, superintended 
by W. R. Turner. Her present corps of deacons are L. M. 
Hardin, R. C. Gladden, Henderson Whisnant, W. H. Car- 
roll, F. H. Bridges, B. F. Turner and E. B. McSwain. Bro. 
Columbus Wilson is the church clerk, Whitaker, S. C. The 
annual contributions to pastor, missions etc. reported $183, 
The town is improving and the population increasing. Why 
then should not the future prospects of the church be good ? 

* Note. — The name of the church and town has been changed 
to G rover. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. I 

Wall's Church is situated in Rutherford county N. C. 
four miles southeasterly from Carson's Mills, near the Piney 
Mountain road, and was formerly one of the Green River 
churches; but joined the King's Mountain Association in 
1855. This church was constituted by a presbytery consist- 
ing of Elders M. Pannell, L.McCurrie,James Webb and Jas. 
Crowder on the 21st day of September 1844 and after joining 
King's Mountain Elder G. W. Rollins was chosen past<>. 
from 1856 to '59, Elder 1"). Pannell was pastor in '60, when 
the church seceded and joined others in organizing the 
"Constitutional Association;" which lived until 1866, and 
the matters in dispute were settled by a convention of 
churches that year. The church returned to the regular body 
in 1867 and has remained a member ever since. Elder J. 
H. Yorboro was her pastor in 1867, Elder Win. McSwain 
was chosen for '68 to '75, Elder R. Poston in '76 to '80, El- 
der H. D. Harrill in '81 and '82. 

The present corps of deacons are brethren Samuel 
Bridges, C. B. Walker, J. P. Green, and B. Melton. John 
Womack is the church clerk, Oak Springs N, C. The pre 
ent membership of Wall's is 128 persons; no report appears 
of Sunday school or contributions to any object, but the 
publication of minutes. The temperance and missionary 
questions have heretofore met considerable opposition in 
this church, which has doubtless retarded its progress some 
what in the past. 



Zion Church was one of the Broad River churches, situ- 
ated in Cleveland county N. C. and is about six miles nearly 
north from the town of Shelby; and a mile nearly west of 
Weather's mill on First Broad River. This church was con- 
stituted on Saturday before the first Sunr 1 y in September 
1816, by Elders Drury Dobbins and Berry man "Hicks, to- 
gether with deacons from the surrounding churches. Elder 
Drury Dobbins was chosen pastor, and served until 1847 the 
year of his death. 

Brethren Samuel Bailey, Wm. Covington and David 
Warlick were ordained the first deacons; and David Warlick 
the church clerk. This church in 1851 was dismissed from 
the Broad River Association and became a constituent mem- 
ber of the King's Mountain body in its organization, and has 
remained a member thereof ever since. When constituted 
it had 30 members, and now has 167. When we take into 
consideration the many souls that have passed through this 
church to their eternal rewards, and the many others that 
have been dismissed to join other churches, some in the fa" 



004 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 

west while others have become constituents of new churches 
at home, we can truly say that Zion has been a "nursing 
mother," and answered well the purpose of her organization. 
Many will come from the North and from the South, from 
the East and from the West and call her blessed, because of 
the fostering care she has exercised over them. Since the 
demise of Elder Drury Dobbins Zion has had several pastors. 
Elder T, Dixon was in the pastorate until 1854, Elder R. 
Poston until '56, when Elder A. J. Cansler was in '56, Elder 
R. Poston was then pastor till '66, Elder J. EL Yarboro till 
'67, then Elder R. Posten again until '70, Elder L, C. Ezell 
till '73, Elder J. H. Yarboro a<?ain till '75, Elder R, Posten 
till '76, Elder A. C. Irvin till '80, Elder J, P, Styers till 1882. 

The present corps of deacons are J. D. Weathers, A. J. 
Irvin, Daniel Poston and A, G. Weathers. She has a Sunday 
school superintended by S. L. Gillespie of 90 scholars, and of 
much usefulness in training the young. A. J. Irvin is clerk 
of the church, Shelby, N. (J. 

Zion is the foster mother of Elders R. Poston, J. Suttle 
and A. O. Irvin; who have proved worthy and useful minis- 
ters oi the King's Mountain Association. 

Annual contributions to pastor, missions etc, §157.30. 



Zoar Church is situated in Cleveland county, N. C, on 
the public road leading from Shelby to Spartanburg, S. C, 
about three miles southwesterly from Shelby, and about one 
mile nearly east from Elliott's bridge on First Broad river. 

In the year 1837 Elder James M. Thomas of the Moriah 
Association preached several times at a stand erected for 
public worship near the present Zoar meeting house with ap- 
parent good success, whereupon, several brethren meeting 
together resolved to build a house, and solicited the Buffalo 
church to extend an arm to receive members with the view 
to the constitution of a church of the Baptist faith and order. 
The house was soon thereafter erected and several persons 
received and baptized. 

On the 7th of September 1838, a presbytery consisting 
of Elders Drury Dobbins and E. M. Chaftin and the deacons 
from the neighboring churches around was convened, and 
Elder E. M. Chaftin and wife Susan Chaffiin, James Love and 
Susan Love, Elias Putman and Nancy Putman, Barnett Put- 
man and Ursula Putman, J. R. Logan and Sarah P. Logan, 
Francis Adams and Cynthia Adams, Jane llogue, R. L. Dog- 
gett, Esther Irvine, Wm. McEntire, Elizabeth S. Alexander, 
Roberts Putman and Susan Putman, Maria Wesson, Lucinda 
Sanders, Jemima McEntire, A. J. AlcBrayer, Willis Putman 
and Elizabeth Putman were constituted a regular Baptist 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF CHURCHES. 605 

church of Christ to be known by the name as above stated. 
Elder E. M. Chaffin was chosen pastor and brethren James 
Love. J. R. Logan and Roberts Putman were ordained the 
first deacons, and J. R. Logan clerk of the church. The fore- 
going members were partly from Buffalo, Zion and Antioch 
churches. 

This church was afterwards supplied at various times 
bv Elders T. K Parsley, R. P. Logan, W. Hill, T. Dixon, J. 
Suttle, B. Bonner, J. H. Yarboro,!). Hilliard, W. W. Gwyn, 
G. M. Webb, J. A. White and probably others. 

Although Zoar is a feeble church, she has enjoyed sev- 
eral revivals and many precious souls have been saved through 
her instrumentality. She numbers at present 93 members, 
and has a Sabbath school of thirty members, superintended 
by Miss Emily Hogue to much profit. 

Her present corps of deacons are P. D. Wilson, S. W". 
Hughes, M. O. McEntire, Joseph Weaver, A. R. Henry and 
A. R. Putman. S. W. Hughes, clerk of the church, Shelby, 
X. C. Annual contributions to pastor, missions, etc., not 
reported. 



THE END, 



